Lesson 4407

 (Lesson 4407)(02-25-24) Luke 15:11-24 

“And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” 

 

In today’s quote, Jesus related the Parable of the Prodigal Son, wherein a man had two sons; the younger, tired of working for his father requested his share of the inheritance, which he then squandered in wasteful and reckless living far from home. The errant son came to face all manner of problems, including hunger, after which he decided to return to his father, intending to ask for a job as a servant. However, when he returned, his father, as any loving father would, welcomed him with open arms, ordering that he be dressed in fine clothes and that a great feast be prepared in honor of his returning son. This great celebration was based on the father's declaration that his son had been lost and was finally found; he had been dead but had returned to live again. That parable illustrated God's readiness to forgive and rejoice over the repentance and homecoming of sinners, emphasizing the theme of redemption and the unconditional love of the Father.~

Lesson 4406

 Lesson 4406)(02-24-24) Luke 15:1-10 

“en drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” 

 

Today’s quote contains two parables that Jesus related in response to criticism from Pharisees and scribes who resented the fact that He had kept company with sinners. The first parable is about a shepherd who left his ninety-nine sheep to search for just one that is lost. When he found it, he joyfully carried it home and called for a celebration with friends and neighbors. The second parable described a woman who had lost one of her ten silver coins. Knowing the other nine were safely tucked away, she diligently searched her house until she found the one that was missing. When she found it, she invited friends and neighbors to celebrate with her because she had found her lost money. Both parables concluded with a statement about the joy in heaven over the one sinner who turned to God being greater than it was over the ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance (in the case of the lost sheep) and joy among the angels of God over one sinner who repents (for the lost coin). These stories emphasize God's love for the lost and the value of repentance.”

Lesson 4405

 (Lesson 4405)(02-23-24) Luke 14:25-35 

“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” 

 

In today’s quote, Jesus addressed large crowds, emphasizing the demanding nature of being one of His disciples. He stated that anyone who does not prioritize Him over family, and even their own life, cannot be His disciple. Jesus emphasized the cost of discipleship through two parables: one about devoting to the cost before building a tower and another about a king recognizing and committing to the long haul before going to battle. These examples highlight the importance of being prepared and fully committed to following Him. Jesus concluded by saying that discipleship is like salt: it must maintain its flavor to be valuable. The quote challenges Jesus’ followers to consider the depth of their commitment, illustrating that genuine discipleship requires sacrifice, forethought, and total dedication to Jesus.~