“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus.” Luke 15:1 NIV
In this chapter, we have a few parables that Jesus was telling to the crowds – the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. All of these parables point towards the conclusion that Christ has no pleasure in the death and destruction of sinners, but instead takes great pleasure in the return and repentance of them.
Just as in the parable of the lost sheep and coin, the owner of those items sought out for the one that was lost, despite the perhaps small value it carried in comparison with the rest. Christ will use various methods and means to bring lost souls home. If we take time to think about it, He chose to die on the cross to make this possible. His thought and hope in doing so would not have been to go through all that agony only to reach a small(er) percentage of people, but for all individuals.
May we fully appreciate all that Christ has done and draw the “tax collectors” around us, allowing us to share the great news of salvation for all.
Lock Your Wings 
““So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.”
Luke 15:20 NLT
Some interesting things from this verse:
Home: it says he returned home and I think there’s this peace and comfort associated with returning home. Not visiting home, not stopping by home, but returning.
A long way off: this would imply that the father actively waiting for his son. Perhaps this was the first version of find my friends 😅
Filled with love & compassion: not necessarily the first thoughts that come to mind when your son essentially wishes you were dead.
Embraced him and kissed him: no hesitation and no resentment. Just joy, forgiveness, and love. There was no doubt in the Father’s true feelings.
Makes me wonder where the mom was in this story. I see the mom being the one watching and waiting but maybe it was a bigger impact in the parable for the Dad to be the focus.
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