Come to Yourself

The Parable of the Lost Son

Luke 15:11-32

Jesus welcomed everyone, from the most righteous to those considered by some to be unclean. He consistently challenged everyone to embrace discipleship and commitment, regardless of their background or past actions. They were all worthy of His Father’s love.

The scribes and Pharisees, however, saw "sinners" differently. They condemned Jesus for associating with them and wouldn't even consider sharing God's Word with those they deemed unworthy. This was an opportune time to use their self-righteous attitude as a life lesson for the crowd that had gathered. By the way, the religious leaders could hear every word.

Jesus illustrated His compassion through parables like the lost sheep and coin. He spoke of a shepherd who would leave ninety-nine sheep to rescue the one that wandered off, highlighting the immense value placed on each individual. Similarly, He told of a widow diligently searching for her lost coin, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of something precious. Both stories powerfully convey the passionate dedication of those who seek the lost, stopping at nothing until what was missing is found. This leads us to perhaps Jesus' most renowned parable: the prodigal son.

The story unfolds. A successful entrepreneur had two children. The younger one, restless and eager for instant gratification, demanded his share of the inheritance upfront. "I want to live my life, my way, now," he declared, packing a designer suitcase and heading for the city.

Time passes. He has squandered his fortune on lavish parties, luxury cars, and fleeting friendships. Soon, broke and alone, he found himself working a dead-end job, barely able to afford ramen noodles. Humbled and desperate, he “came to himself” and thought, "Even my Dad’s employees live better than this. I'll go back, apologize, and beg for a job."

Dragging himself home, he was met not with anger, but with a tearful embrace from his Father, who had been watching and waiting. A huge celebration was thrown. The older brother, who had faithfully managed the family business, fumed. "I've always been loyal, and you never threw me a party!" The parent gently replied, "My child, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But your sibling was lost and is found, dead and is alive again. That's worth celebrating."

Interestingly, this Glory Story depicts the main character as a prodigal, uncontrolled, and extravagant. But that wasn’t his true self. The story only has a happy ending after he becomes a penitent man, after “he comes to himself” and realizes the course his life has to take. He did not attempt to justify or excuse his sin. Sometimes the clearest view of who we are is from the bottom looking up.

“The truth here taught is just this: that mercy stretches forth her hand to misery, that grace receives men as sinners, that it deals with demerit, unworthiness and worthlessness; that those who think themselves righteous are not the objects of divine compassion, but the unrighteous, the guilty and the undeserving, are the proper subjects for the infinite mercy of God; In a word, that salvation is not of merit but of grace.” Charles Spurgeon

Come to yourself, repent, and seek the Kingdom of God first; everything else will be added.