How I found a 13-year-old note to self

Welcome to week three of our journey through Jesus’ Unparalleled Parables. This week: The Prodigal Son.

For this week, I’m basing our devotions on one of my all-time favourite books—The Prodigal God by Tim Keller. He expounds the true message of the parable and Jesus’ intentions in sharing it so well that it left a deep impact on me when I first read it twelve years ago.

So much so, I scribbled this on the first page:

28-8-’12/Read this book for the first time, it blew my mind. Highly recommendable to anyone (incl. non-Christians).

Seeing this made me smile when I opened the book to start writing this series.

So, whether you’re a long-time believer, a new Christian, or just curious about the faith, I’ve been convinced for 13 years: this story can move anyone. 😉

To refresh your memory, here’s a quick recount of the parable from Luke 15:11-32.

It’s the story of a father and his two sons. The younger demands his inheritance early, squanders it, and returns home in shame and with a plan to earn back his father’s favour–only to be received by his dad with open arms. This warm welcome angered the older brother, who had stayed and worked faithfully. It ends with an argument between the father and his oldest son, the former trying to convince the latter to join the welcome-back feast.

As we are about to dive into the parable this week, I’d like to leave you with this question: how do you relate to God? Do you see Him as your Father? Do you see him as strict or loving? Gracious or controlling? A protector or a disciplinarian?

There are no wrong answers; this isn’t a test...just an exercise to check in with your heart.

Hey! You are a Chamatkar.

Jenny Mendes