But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. Luke 15:32
These are the final comments from the parable of the Prodigal Son, a story Jesus Himself told to teach a point. I encourage you to read verses 11-32. It is an illustration of the Heavenly Father’s response to a lost soul returning home. Jesus’ objective in this verbal painting is to give encouragement when we grow discouraged over sinfulness.
Jesus’ sole purpose was to forgive. All else He has done is a residual of this one thing, FORGIVE! He was without sin, but His heart ached for those in bondage to death’s grip. The lost brother was found and freed. The other brother, he who never rebelled and stood loyal and faithful to his father, was resentful. Why was this added as a dimension to this narrative? Because the attitude exists in reality and is destructive. God doesn’t need our notches to assist Him in keeping track of who deserves what.
Jesus became man so that we could become eternal. It wasn’t an even trade. When we try to keep score, we lose every time. Take the win, then take as many as you can find with you!
Happy Monday,
Gretchen