Luke 15 - God welcomes everyone, no matter what

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v7 - 10) Heaven is rejoicing when we repent

  • Jesus tells us that when we repent and accept Christ as the saviour we need, heaven is rejoicing
  • This is greater than 99 men who need no repentance
  • Coming to Christ and repenting is truly a celebration
v19) A glimpse at what we are like when we come to Christ with nothing in our hands
  • Just as the prodigal son returning to the father with nothing, we too come to God in utter desperation and with absolutely nothing we could do to earn his favour
  • Because of our sin, we are no longer worthy at all to be called his sons
v22-24) But by God's grace, he treats us as family because of Christ and accepts us with loving and inviting arms
  • Amazing that Christ redeems us despite all our shortcomings
  • Not only are we accepted back,  but we are treated as royalty, with "the best robe" 
  • We were lost and dead - but because of Christ we are now found and alive again
v28) However, sometimes when we don't think people who come to Christ deserve it - Jesus warns us about bitterness
  • How often am I bitter or confused when someone I don't think deserves Christ, receives Him
  • Why am I not rejoicing and filled with happiness and joy just as the heavens are?
v31-32) Jesus tells us how we should respond when a brother or sister come to Christ
  • Jesus tells us that the heaven's will be filled with joy and happiness when a lost son/sister comes home (to heaven)
  • He tells us of the response we should have and the inexpressible joy that should fill us
  • It isn't that we now have another person to share God's riches with (because they are infinite) and all of it is still ours - but rejoice that another soul has been saved
Application:
  1. Why am I bitter and often not joyous when I see others coming to Christ? have I truly accepted Christ and understand the grace and love he's shown me?
  2. I should reflect on how gracious and loving God is, that he would accept me as the prodigal son back into His kingdom when I deserved nothing but death, suffering and punishment


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