This week’s focus scripture, Luke 15:1-32, brings us one of the most well-known and deeply moving stories in the Bible: the parable of the Prodigal Son. It’s a story that speaks to the heart of God’s grace, but it’s also a story that reveals how difficult grace can be for us to understand, receive, and extend.
As I read this passage, one question kept coming to mind: Who do I most identify with – the younger son, who needs to receive grace, or the older son, who struggles to offer it?
At different points in my life, I’m sure I’ve found myself in both roles. Maybe you have too. Let’s take a moment to reflect on what these two sons can teach us about our own relationship with grace.
The Younger Son: Receiving Grace
The younger son’s story is one of rebellion, regret, and redemption. He takes his inheritance, squanders it, and hits rock bottom. But when he returns home, broken and ashamed, his father runs to meet him with open arms. No questions, no conditions – just pure, overwhelming grace.
If you identify with the younger son, you might be in a place of needing to receive grace. Maybe you’ve made mistakes, wandered far from where you thought you’d be, or maybe – for whatever reason – you feel unworthy of forgiveness. The beauty of this story is that it reminds us grace isn’t something we earn – it’s a gift. The father’s response shows us that no matter how far we’ve strayed, God’s love is always waiting to welcome us home.
Reflection:
- What would it look like for you to fully accept the grace and forgiveness when it is offered to you?
- Are there areas where you still feel unworthy or hesitant to receive it?
The Older Son: Extending Grace
Then there’s the older son. He’s stayed home, done everything “right,” and yet he struggles to understand his father’s joy when his brother returns. He’s angry, resentful, and feels overlooked. His struggle isn’t with receiving grace—it’s with extending it.
If you identify with the older son, you might find it hard to celebrate when others receive grace. Maybe you’ve been hurt, feel like you’ve done all the “right things,” or struggle with comparison. The older son’s story challenges us to examine our hearts: Are we willing to extend the same grace we’ve received? Are we ready to join in the celebration when someone else is restored?
Reflection:
- What might be holding you back from extending grace to others?
- How can you move toward a heart of celebration and reconciliation?
The Father: A Picture of Unconditional Love
At the center of this story is the father, who represents God’s unconditional love. He doesn’t wait for the younger son to grovel or the older son to understand—he simply loves. He runs to meet the younger son and gently reassures the older one. His love is relentless, patient, and all-encompassing.
This is the heart of the gospel: God’s grace is not about what we deserve but about who God is. Whether we’re the younger son, the older son, or somewhere in between, the God’s love is always there, inviting us to come home.
So, where do you find yourself in this story? Are you the younger son, in need of grace? Or the older son, struggling to extend it? Maybe you’re a bit of both. Whatever your answer, know this: God’s grace is big enough to meet you right where you are.
Take a moment this week to sit with this story. Let it challenge you, comfort you, and remind you of the boundless love of the Father. And as you reflect, ask yourself:
- How can I grow in both receiving and extending grace in my relationships and community?
Grace isn’t always easy to understand, but it’s always worth celebrating. Let’s lean into it together.
