The Party

The Party

Luke 15:31-32, NLT

His father said to him, “Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!”

Setting the Scene

The father immediately restored the destitute and humbled young man as his son. The calf had been fattened for a special feast—and the time for celebrating had come. The son who had been as good as dead to the father was now alive and found. And immediately, the party began.

Just as the shepherd celebrated upon finding his lost sheep, and the woman upon finding her lost coin, so this father celebrated at finding his lost son. The father wanted his elder son also to rejoice at getting his brother back. This was truly a joyful time in the life of this family.

The language Jesus used in these parables is full of joy and celebration: “There is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” and “There is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents” (Luke 15:7, 10, NLT).

These stories aren’t simply about a sheep being brought back to the safety of the fold, a woman finding her valuable coin, or a reunion between father and son. They are all about lost people being found. No wonder those in heaven rejoice!

Getting Personal

Who celebrated when you were “found” by God?

What will help you feel the urgency of sharing the good news about Jesus with others?

What can you do to join in the heavenly celebration when someone comes to Christ?

Often the people who are most grateful for their salvation are those who have lived far from God and have sinned openly. They know that they’ve come from a “distant land” and are now home. Many believers are like the older brother and think they haven’t been so bad compared to some. Yet a sinner who repents and turns to Christ is brought from death to life (see Ephesians 2:5). This is why we celebrate.

Talking to God

Make a quick list of those you love who have also come to believe in Jesus as their Savior. In prayer, celebrate in praise to the Father for his welcoming love that makes you a family.