Jesus’ Compassion: The Heart of Missional Livingಮಾದರಿ

a Day #10: Luke 15:11–32

Another of Jesus’ most famous stories is found in Luke 15:11–32. It is Part 3 in a series of parables and is often referred to as “the parable of the prodigal son.” A better title might be “the parable of two lost sons,” since both brothers find themselves lost, that is, separated from their father by their own foolish choices.

However, the first two little parables in the series (Luke 15:1–10) make clear that Jesus’ primary focus in these stories is not on lost things (sheep, coins, sons) but on the Finder (who clearly represents God). In the third parable, the “finder” is the father of the two sons, whose response to them is characterized in terms that should now be familiar to us: “While he (the younger son) was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion” (v. 20, NRSV). This compassion flows over into lavish welcome: “He ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.”

These three stories, taken together, reveal that God’s compassion towards human beings issues in passionate, persistent pursuit of those who are lost. The shepherd in the first parable and the woman in the second do not rest until they have found what was missing; the father in the third story watches tirelessly for the return of the younger son and pleads persistently with the older brother. And when the lost is found, not only does the Finder rejoice extravagantly (parties are thrown!); he also invites everyone around him to join in the celebration.

It is worth remembering why Jesus told this series of stories and to whom. His audience was a group of religious people who were grumbling about Jesus’ choice of table companions: “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them” (15:2). In other words, he associates with “the wrong people.” Rather than argue with them, Jesus presents them with a portrait of the heart of God, which is reflected in the way he lives. The sulky older brother in the third story represents the choice: Will Jesus’ hearers also choose lives fueled by compassion and characterized by extravagant rejoicing when the lost are found and transformed by God’s grace?

Were you encouraged by this study on compassion? OMS can help you explore opportunities to serve. You can check out www.onemissionsociety.org.