Lesson 10 for June 4, 2011

The lost sheep It knew it was lost, but didn’t know how to come back God tries to find it and rescues it The lost coin It didn’t know it was lost God tries to find it and rescues it The prodigal son He willingly got away from God God waited for him to willingly come back “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering round to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners, and eats with them." Then Jesus told them this parable:” (Luke, 15: 1-3) In Luke chapter 15, Jesus explains to publicans and sinners how God relates to sinners by using three parables.

“Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living."” Luke, 15: 11-13

The son decided to become independent from his father and to live his own life without reporting to him. How did the father feel when his son wanted to abandon him? How do you think God feels when you get away from Him? (Read John, 3: 16) Sometimes we willingly separate from God and want to live our own life without counting on Him.

“This young man was obviously tired of restrictions and felt that his freedom was unduly limited by a father who cared about his own selfish interests. Above all, he desired to get what he liked the most. He knew what he want, or at least he thought he knew. But it is obvious he didn’t know, since he “came to himself” (vs. 17) and changed his behavior. But in that moment he didn’t understand himself or his father. And the worst was that he didn’t understand or value that his father loved him and all the decisions and rules of his father were based on something that would be the better for his children at the end. The story makes it clear; the father was wise and understanding, as well as fair, merciful and very reasonable. However, the inexperienced young man thought that he had the right to take advantage of all the privileges of being son but none of his responsibilities. After reflecting on it, he decided that the only way to solve the problem (the way he though it should be solved) was to abandon his home and go alone to live as he pleased” SDA Bible Commentary, on Luke, 15: 12

“After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no-one gave him anything.” Luke, 15: 14-16

He didn’t remember his father nor feel any need of him while everything was going well. In a moment of his life after living like a prodigal (a spendthrift) he harvested the consequences of his acts. His sins cost him his financial stability and his comfortable home, but also his dignity, his own respect, his reputation, his purity and his good conscience.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.'” Luke, 15: 17-19

When things started to go bad, he reflected, came to his senses and started to realize how much he had when he depended on his father. Sometimes it is necessary to suffer difficulties that we cannot solve, so we feel how much we need God and we make the decision of seeking him.

“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'” Luke, 15: 20-21

The father didn’t wait for his son to finish the path that separated them. He ran to his son and embraced him and kissed him. God wants us to recognize our sin, so He can embrace us and accept us back to our home. It doesn’t matter how low he fell, God accepts us and transforms us.

“But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.” Luke, 15: 22-24

“The father will permit no contemptuous eye to mock at his son’s misery and tatters. He takes from his own shoulders the broad, rich mantle, and wraps it around the son’s wasted form, and the youth sobs out his repentance, saying, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.’ The father holds him close to his side, and brings him home. No opportunity is given him to ask a servant’s place. He is a son, who shall be honored with the best the house affords, and whom the waiting men and women shall respect and serve” E.G.W., “Christ’s Object Lessons”, pg. 203

First, the father placed his own robe over the dirty and stinky garments of his son. Then, he ordered to dress him with new clothes, footwear and the familiar ring. That’s how he was welcomed again as a member of the family. Then, He dresses us with new garments and restores us as a member of His family, like we never sinned. Once we repented, God covers us with his robe of forgiveness.

“To give a true representation of the tender, loving, pitying care exercised by His Father, Jesus gave the parable of the prodigal son. Though His children err and stray from Him, if they repent and return, He will receive them with the joy manifested by an earthly father in receiving a long-lost son who in penitence returns” (E.G.W., “Evangelism”, cp. 4, Patterning after the Master Evangelist, pg. 56) “With outstretched arms He waits to welcome the prodigal. Go to Him, and tell Him about your mistakes and failures. Ask Him to strengthen you for fresh endeavor. He will never disappoint you, never abuse your confidence” (E.G.W., “Messages to young people”, cp. 24, pg. 97)