The Party

The Party

Reading the Word

“His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We 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!’” (Luke 15:31–32)

Setting the Scene

The father immediately restores his destitute and humbled young man as his son, telling the servants to dress him in “the finest robe in the house” (usually given to the guest of honor), “a ring for his finger” (signifying authority as a son), “and sandals for his feet” (he must have been barefoot) (v. 22). The calf is being fattened for a special feast (v. 23)—and that time is now. The son who has been as good as dead to the father is now alive and found (v. 32). And immediately, the party begins (v. 24).

Just as the shepherd celebrated upon finding the lost sheep and the woman upon finding her lost coin, so this father celebrates at finding his lost son. He wants his elder son to rejoice at getting his brother back. They need to party; this is truly a joyful time in the life of this family. And hear the words of joy and celebration in the previous two stories:

• “. . . 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!” (v. 7)
• “. . . there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents” (v. 10.)

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—totally hopeless and helpless and separated from God—people being found. No wonder the heavens rejoice!

Getting Personal

The Gospel and evangelism are not about adding to the church membership rolls, finding new customers for our Bibles and devotional materials, or getting people on our side in a theological debate. The stakes are infinitely higher and deeper. A sinner who repents and turns to Christ is brought from death to life (see Eph. 2:5). This is why we celebrate.

• Who celebrated when you were “found” by God?
• What will help you feel the urgency of sharing the good news about Jesus with others?
• How can you remember that regardless of your social status or experience as a Christian you were a sinner, totally lost save for God’s grace?
• What can you do to join in the heavenly celebration when someone comes to Christ?

Talking to God

Father, I know that I take my relationship with you for granted at times, and I’m sorry. Thank you for seeking and saving me, for welcoming me into your family and celebrating over me. Please help me remember those who are lost and give me opportunities to point them to the Savior.

Adapted from Life Application Study Bible Devotional by Dave Veerman and Neil Wilson (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2011), used by permission.