Devotional: The Son Leaves the Father

Luke 15:11-13

In Luke 15 Jesus tells three parables. The Pharisees and the scribes are upset because Jesus takes time to tell the least, the lost, and the left outs about the kingdom of God. The religious leaders consider this to be a waste of time and resources because these poor people have no hope in God. Jesus tells these three parables to tell us what our attitude and responsibilities toward all people are regardless of their social status.

Luke 15:11-32 is the famous story of “The Prodigal Son.” A man has two sons. One of them, the younger son, asks the Father to give him his due inheritance before it is time. The father divides his wealth between the sons. A few days later the younger son gathers his things together and leaves home. The rest of the parable tells us what happens in the life of the son.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas let us be reminded that there are a lot of young people who are living on the streets. They are homeless. They have no money, no food, and no bed to lay their heads and sleep comfortably and warm. Yes, many of these people voluntarily collected their things and left home. When we see them, we are not to judge them. Rather, we are to assist them. We should point them to the Father. We point them to the Father in the same manner that Jesus points the lost to the Father. Jesus meets people at the point of their need. He has compassion upon them. He tells them the way to the Father. Jesus set the example for us. Let us follow His lead.

Prayer: Father, we thank you for Jesus who showed us how to show compassion to the homeless and the hungry. Give us a heart to do as Jesus did. Amen.