Advent Day 24: Luke 15:11-32

Read Luke 15:11-32. 

Ponder Luke 15:11-32

• What imagery or situations in this parable help you better understand what it means to be lost? 

• Skim over verses 11-16. When in your life have you lived like the lost son, looking for fulfillment, worth and meaning in the wrong things? 

• Have you ever experienced a “come-to-your-senses” moment like the lost son in verse 17 when you recognized how much you needed Jesus? What was that like? What did it teach you about yourself? About God? 

• Repentance means recognizing you are a sinner and turning away from sin and walk in a different direction or live in a way that honors God. What are some examples of repentance you see in this passage? 

• The son’s plan is to return to his father, admit that he was wrong and does not deserve to be treated like a son. But how does the father respond? 

• Why is it important to understand that God’s response to repentance is joy, not punishment? 

• Consider the brother’s response in verses 25-30. When have you reacted like the older son, believing that your good works and behavior determined your value before God? 

• Ephesians 2:1 tells us that before salvation, we are dead in our trespasses and sins, but God, who is rich in mercy, has “made us alive” in Christ (Eph. 2:5). How do verses 31-32 in today’s passage help you to better understand this truth? 

• Meditate on how God has worked through time and space to rescue you from sin and make you alive in Christ. How will acknowledging what he has done shape your celebration this Christmas?