The Son Who Was Lost Returns - THE LOST SON IS FOUND

Jesus describes how the father feels and acts:  "While [the son] was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was moved with pity, and he ran and embraced him and tenderly kissed him." (Luke 15:20)  Even if the father has heard of his son's debauched living, he welcomes his son back.  Will the Jewish leaders, who claim to know and worship Jehovah, see from this how our heavenly father feels toward repentant sinners?  Will they also recognized that Jesus has been showing the same welcoming spirit?

The discerning father can likely conclude from his son's downcast countenance that he is repentant. Still, the father's loving initiative to greet him makes it easier for his son to confess his sins. Jesus relates: "Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy of being called your son."' -LUKE 15:21.

The father orders his slaves: "Quick! bring out a robe, the best one, and clothe him with it, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. Also bring the fattened calf, slaughter It, and let us eat and celebrate, for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; He was lost and has been found." Then they start to enjoy themselves." - LUKE 15:22-24.  

Meanwhile, the father's older son is in the field, Jesus says about him:  "As he returned and got near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants to him and asked what was happening.  He said to him,  'Your brother has come, and your father slaughtered the fattened calf because he got him back in good health!  But he became angry and refused to go in.  Then his father came out and began to plead with him. In reply  he said to his father, "Look! These many years I have slaved for you and never once did I disobey your orders, and yet, you never once  gave me a goat to enjoy with my friends.  But as soon as this son of yours arrived who squandered your belongings with prostitutes, you slaughtered their fattened calf for him. - LUKE 15:25-30. 

Who, like the others son, have been critical of the mercy and attention that Jesus accorded the common pe0ple and sinners?  The scribes and the Pharisees.  Their criticism of Jesus' welcoming sinners has prompted this illustration. Of course, anyone critical of God's showing mercy should take the lesson to heart. 

Next time: The Son Who Was Lost Returns - Conclusion of  THE LOST SON WAS FOUND

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