Read: I love reading this parable told by Jesus. I find myself responding to each of the different characters - the audacity of the younger son to ask for his inheritance early and the cultural statement that this communicated to his father. Or how about the elder brother who dutifully remained by his father but wasn’t able to enjoy the love and intimacy of relationship with him. And then there’s the Father, who loved so freely, completely and yes extravagantly. 

Take a moment to read the passage several times over the week - maybe in a different translation or format. Pay attention to what you notice about each person.

Reflect:

Make a list that describes the character traits of the Father, the Prodigal and the elder brother? Do you see any similarities in your own life and relationship with God? What surprises you about the Father’s actions? What does a ‘dutiful’ elder son look like in our culture? How would you describe his relationship with his father?

Respond:

The response this week is to set aside time to pray about your own identity as a son or daughter of God. Ask God to speak to you. Have you received His extravagant love and forgiveness? It’s offered freely! 

The prodigal son left his empty life to return home. That offer to come home extends to all of us. 

The elder brother was so wrapped up in doing the ‘right things’ he lost sight of the relationship his father desired with him. Has your life become more about doing the right thing or being in ‘right’ relationship with your Heavenly Father? Doing or being - two very different approaches to relationship. Our identity lies in forgiveness and grace we receive from Him. We have nothing to prove!

For further reading, I highly recommend The Prodigal God by Tim Keller.