READ
Luke 15:11-32
CONSIDER
Tim Keller’s book entitled The Prodigal God beautifully highlights the joy of the gospel found in this text. The story of the lost sheep, coin and son is less about what was lost and more about the God who pursues, searches and restores. It’s a story of grace for the tax collector and sinner and also for the Pharisee and Teachers of the Law. It’s a reminder that the grace on offer is available to all people.
As we continue in our series about Christ’s glorious church, may we see how His offer of grace allows his people to live as a broken community in dependence on Christ. May it challenge us to invite others to enter into relationship through repentance with the gracious God of the universe. His grace changes the way we think, our attitude toward the lost, and who we live for.
See you Sunday.
Pastor Tim Sreedharan
PRAY
A prayer from Luke 18:9-13
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
Father, help us to see that we are just like the tax collector, deeply broken and unable to save ourselves. Teach us to confess and run to you and daily walk in your way through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
DIVING DEEPER
How would you define grace? Give an example of how Christian grace is demonstrated between believers?
Take a look at the story of the lost sheep (v3-7), the lost coin (v8-10) and the lost brother (v11-24). What are the common themes between them?
How are repentance and celebration connected? Can we have one without the other?
What do we learn from the compassionate response of Christ toward the younger and older son? How do we see his grace on display to both parties?
Do you feel a greater affinity toward the older or younger son? Why?
Do you feel convicted/challenged by this text? If so, in what way?