AMAZING GRACE

READ: Luke 15:1-2; 11-32

ANSWER THIS: When has someone given you grace, when you deserved punishment?

THE BREAKDOWN

People with rather sketchy reputations loved listening to Jesus. One day, while being criticized by religious leaders for hanging out with “sinners,” Jesus tells a parable about a rebellious son and a loving father.

As the story goes, the younger of two brothers tells their dad he wants his inheritance now, rather than later, presumably so he can enjoy it while he’s young. Without arguing, his dad gives it to him, and the boy goes off on a pleasure-seeking binge. Not surprisingly, it isn’t long until he’s spent all his money on “wild living.”

Penniless and starving during a terrible famine, the only work he can find is on a farm, feeding pigs. He’s so poor and hungry, he longs to eat what the pigs are eating, but no one will even give him that. Finally, he comes to his senses, realizing his own father’s workers are better off than he is. So, he decides to go home and beg for a job, practicing along the way the humble speech he’ll give his dad.

When he gets within sight of home, his father sees him in the distance, runs to him, kisses him, doesn’t let him finish his speech, and fully restores him to his place in the family. Then he throws a party for him!

The story ends with the older son getting angry about all the attention his defiant brother is getting, while he himself has been obedient all along. His dad acknowledges his loyalty but explains why they’re celebrating: His younger brother was once as good as dead, and now he’s alive. He was lost and now is found.

This is a story about God’s amazing grace.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

In 2015, Tamika Brown took the stand, prior to the sentencing of the person convicted of killing her son, for one last chance to say something to the young man. Instead of harsh words, though, she sang a song.

Partway through the song, she forgot the words. So, she made up her own: “So you think that you can’t make it through/Just remember my God cares for you/Don’t give up; don’t give in/Today, make Jesus Christ your No. 1 friend.”

Her last words to the young man were, “Would it shock you to hear that I love you?”

Now, that’s amazing grace!

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR ME?

Which son sounds most like you in Jesus’ parable? Are you seeking satisfaction from other things besides God? Or, are you thinking you’re “good enough” for God?

God’s unconditional love is the only thing that qualifies us to be a part of His family. All you need to do is admit you’ve been seeking the wrong things to replace His love. Or, that you think you’ve somehow earned His love. The truth is, all you need to do is accept His love.

Realizing God offers us such unconditional love and amazing grace should influence us to offer other people the same.

PRAYER

“Loving Father, it’s hard to believe You love me like the father in Jesus’ parable loves his sons. May that reality penetrate my heart, that I might stop running away from You, or thinking I’m so good I don’t need You. Father, help me to love others the same way You love me.”