In this portion of Scripture, we see the Pharisees in shock at the sight of Jesus’ eating with tax collectors and other “notorious sinners.” Jesus, in response, tells them a story about a shepherd. The shepherd was celebrating something that was lost and then found. In the parable, the father represents Jesus, and the son represents the notorious sinners. Jesus did not just come for those who already know God. He came for those who don’t have a relationship with Him. Jesus came to seek, save, and rejoice – and we should be doing the same. When God sees lost people coming to Him, He responds with open arms.

What did your life look like before you accepted Christ as your Savior?

If you are a Christian, are you reaching others as Jesus did? If so, how are you reaching them?

When a sinner comes to know Jesus, do you act like the brother who stayed home? Or the father?