What Jesus Did! 'We Must Celebrate' — Luke 15:31-32

Sunday, September 17, 2023

[Concluding the tale of the two sons, Jesus said,] "His father said to [the older angry, jealous son], 'Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!'"
— Luke 15:31-32 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus told this story [1] about a father and his two sons and the two previous stories [2] to tell us that when sinners come to salvation, celebration isn't optional! The angels in heaven celebrate. The Father celebrates. God's children must celebrate!

[1] Luke 15:11-32.
[2] Luke 15:3-7, 8-10.

Today's Prayer

Father, I pray for a great harvest in our day so that your people can bring you the joy of heaven's celebration and so that the lost in our world can come to know you as their Father. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 15:7, 10
  • Luke 19:6-10
  • Luke 3:4-6

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12 Related Resources by Heartlight

Everything Is Yours!
Article by Tom Norvell
How much difference should it make in our lives to know it all is ours? Tom Norvell remembers the words of the father to the older brother in the parable of the Prodigal son that everything the father has is his, it belongs to him.
The Joy of Finding
Article by Bill Sherrill
What brings you joy? There is great joy in finding what was once lost.
Good News for Christmas
Article by Rick Brown
In the dark night of the soul or caught in the foggy haze of confusion, is there good news for me? Rick Brown writes a beautiful story on the background of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and a reminder that Jesus came for all of us misfits so we could know we fit in.
Lost and Found
Article by Steve Ridgell
If I lose a $20 bill, it doesn't matter if I still have two other ones. I want to find the lost one. God feels that way about us. Just like we rejoice over finding lost money, God rejoices when lost people are found.
See All 12 Related Resources about Luke 15:31-32

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 15:31-32 NLT — We had to celebrate this happy day.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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