Oh God, I desire to receive Your words and, beyond that, the treasures of Your commands within me. Turn my ear to focus on Your wisdom; help me to lift my voice and diligently seek and search for it. This is what I long to do. You said that if I actively seek out wisdom, I will understand the fear of You and find knowledge. I know that You are the source of all these treasures spoken of in Proverbs, and I pray that You will guard my path and preserve my way so that I may understand righteousness, justice, equity, and every good path (Prov. 2:1-9).
Father, I want to exercise discretion and possess an accurate understanding. Please preserve and keep me. I also pray that You will deliver me through the wisdom in my heart, mind, and life, protecting me from those who speak perverse things and from those who stray from the path of righteousness to follow wicked ways (2:10-15).
I pray not only for myself but for other men as well, that You will grant them wisdom as they seek it. May they attain that abundance and use it rightly. We must be aware of the seductress as a lurking danger; men and women both need to recognize this. There are men, too, who seek to take advantage of women for their own perverse desires (2:16-18).
Father, give us wisdom and a strong heart, and grant us moral fortitude. May all Your people see the consequences of those who do evil, and may we abstain from anything that could ensnare our souls. Give us the courage and boldness to cling faithfully to You, even when we encounter enticing, yet evil ways. Please help us remember the consequences that await those who indulge in sinful behavior, so that we may avoid such actions at all costs (2:19-22). Amen.
The proverbs of Solomon provide practical wisdom that can benefit everyone, especially young people (Prov. 1:3, 8). Reading this book can help us grow in discerning our current circumstances, allowing us to see things as they truly are. It also helps us avoid being manipulated or controlled by others. Importantly, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; without this reverence for God, no amount of information we acquire will serve us well (1:7). We must respect God, return to His word, and grow through using it in our daily lives.
In this first chapter, we are reminded to recognize the ungodly schemes and plots of men (1:8-19). Peer pressure can influence everyone, particularly young people, to engage in behaviors that lead to negative, lasting consequences. It is crucial for all people, but especially the youth, to understand that their actions have consequences that can last a lifetime… and even carry into eternity. Solomon warns, “So are the ways of everyone greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners” (Proverbs 1:19).
Wisdom, in this chapter, is personified as a woman calling out in the streets, urging us to heed her words. If only we would heed her voice and come to her, we could grow in understanding! We must recognize the importance of accepting wisdom, as refusing her can lead to calamity, embarrassing situations, or compromised circumstances in our spiritual, emotional, and physical lives. When we ignore wisdom, we are responsible for the consequences that follow (1:20-32).
There are warnings here, as well as comfort. Wisdom promises that those who listen to her will dwell safely and be secure without fear of evil. To have freedom from fear is the result of possessing true wisdom (1:33).
I pray that God Almighty will increase my wisdom, enabling me to discern the circumstances around me. When others plot and manipulate for evil, may I recognize it and turn away. I pray that as I seek to grow in wisdom, I will embrace what God offers and that He will provide for me in every way. Moreover, I ask for boldness and confidence in this pursuit. Oh God, please increase my faith! Amen.
The Holy Spirit inspired the collection of proverbs found in the Bible. Most were written or collected by Solomon, but the complete book, as we have it, was not put together until at least 200 years later; this is because it contains the proverbs of Solomon, which the men of King Hezekiah copied (see Proverbs 25:1 and 2 Kings 18:1).
The book has a natural outline:
1. The Fatherly Instructor teaches his son and urges him to seek after wisdom (Chapters 1-9).
2. The proverbs of Solomon (Chapters 10-24).
3. Proverbs of Solomon copied by the men of King Hezekiah (Chapters 25-29).
4. The words of Agur, the son of Jakeh, the oracle (Chapter 30).
5. The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him (Chapter 31).
The first six verses of the book inform us about the purpose of the proverbs.
Know wisdom and instruction: This refers to the ability to see things as they truly are, distinguishing reality from fiction. Instruction refers to discipline, which, when aligned with wisdom, allows one to control and manage one’s affairs effectively.
Discern the words of understanding: This means to understand the principles by which to evaluate information or discussions, determining whether they are good or bad, true or false.
Receive instruction in righteousness, justice, and integrity: A person guided by the proverbs will act not out of external pressure or custom but through an understanding of the principles of right and wrong.
Give prudence to the simple: Here, “the simple” refers to the naive person, typically a young man who lacks experience. The inspired proverbs can provide knowledge from experience, teaching care and discretion—the capacity to comprehend the right intentions, implement appropriate actions, and devise effective plans.
Increase learning for the wise: The wise person will hear and increase their knowledge, while the person of understanding—the one willing to be informed—may gain rules for conduct and management. Thus, proverbs assist those who are already wise to manage both their own affairs and the affairs of others wisely.
Comprehend wise sayings: Finally, the proverbs enable individuals to grasp profound sayings, helping them understand the words of the wise and their enigmas or puzzles.
Over the next 31 days, we will read the Book of Proverbs—one chapter a day—and make notes of 3 to 5 observations from each text to draw practical applications for daily life. I invite you to join. Our hope and goal is to be a little wiser 31 days from now than we are today. Let’s take the distilled wisdom of the ages and make practical applications in our lives, starting now.
Join us tomorrow as we plan to read Chapter 1, and feel free to share any comments or observations you think are worth discussing in the comments section.
During the reign of Josiah, the temple in Jerusalem required extensive repairs due to severe neglect (2 Chron. 34:10). Fast forward to the days of Jesus, when the Herodian temple stood in all its splendor. Many were proud of the temple’s presence, but they had not learned from past generations who believed that the temple alone would provide them with spiritual security (Matt. 24:1-2; Jer. 7:1-11).
Christians are to abstain from actions that would defile our bodies, and that involves recognizing our bodies as temples of God (1 Cor. 6:19-20). It’s essential to take care of our bodies. Yet, we must be cautious about the tendency to “worship” the “temple” God has given us.
It is significant to remember that our bodies are to be used for God’s glory, and we should strive to use what He has entrusted to us as instruments of righteousness (Rom. 6:13). And it’s wise to consider the long-term use of our bodies; for instance, maintaining good health can help us keep up with our children, grandchildren, and beyond. Having strength and endurance enables us to care for ourselves and make the most of our time on earth.
But, while I abstain from things that would defile, I wonder if some people have unhealthy obsessions with their bodies, to the extent that they almost worship them. For example, if I become hyper-focused on what I eat or constantly work out to achieve a certain appearance, could that be a result of pride or vanity? There’s nothing wrong with trying to look and feel our best. However, fixating on our physical health can become an unhealthy obsession.
The fitness and entertainment industries are booming. While it’s wise to take care of our bodies, we should not “worship” the “temple” itself. Let us labor for the food that never perishes, concentrating our efforts on spiritual strengthening and endurance (Jn 6:27; Eph. 6:10; Heb. 10:36). If our focus is in the right place, we will care for our bodies in a way that brings glory to God (1 Cor. 9:24-27).
6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.
7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.
8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
In Jesus’ time, the Sadducees were part of a distinct class system within Judea, aligned with beliefs that often led to conflict with the Pharisees. The Sadducees were known for rejecting faith in the resurrection and the existence of angels (Acts 23:8). When they tested Jesus about the resurrection, Jesus did not accept their ignorance. Instead, He rebuked them for “not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God” (Matt. 22:23-33; Mk. 12:18-27; Lk. 20:27-40). Likewise, there are some today who are missing the mark on vital aspects of truth. May we reflect on various points that can and should be affirmed (even those espoused by counterparts)?
Nowhere in the Bible did Jesus rebuke anyone for striving to faithfully keep all of God’s Law to the best of their ability. Some equated their man-made traditions with God’s word and, as a result, cast aside the true meanings of various passages of Scripture (Mk 7:1-13). Many also had hypocritical and hypercritical attitudes (Matt. 7:1-5; Mk. 7:10-24; Lk. 18:9-14), and Jesus was swift to condemn such sinful attitudes. But the Lord expects much from His followers, and while good intentions are necessary, so is the truth (Jn. 17:17, 20-21). If we constantly hear warnings against one extreme without any against the other, I encourage you to pray, reflect, and exercise discernment.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,
10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,
11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
I. I wonder if many people believe that only a few passages in the NT deal with the significance of water baptism.
II. With this lesson, I want to impress upon our minds the necessity of baptism within God’s conditions for salvation (the forgiveness of sins).
III. All who are of sound mind & age of accountability must hear/believe/repent/confess/be baptized/live faithfully to obtain the mercy, grace, and peace found only in Jesus Christ.
IV. As Christians, it would be helpful to see how often water baptism is mentioned in the NT and have a list at our disposal to refer to once in a while.
V. The following is a list compiled many years ago, which I have referred to many times in the work of preaching. I would like to make it available to you. If there are any that I have left off or that I have misjudged as needing to be included, please let me know!
VI. John’s baptism was for the remission of sins, but he was looking forward to Jesus’s coming as the Messiah. The baptism that Jesus commanded (E.g.,Jn. 3; Matt. 28; Mk. 16; etc.) requires belief in Him as the resurrected Christ.
BODY
Baptism is an initial condition of discipleship (Mt. 28:18-20).
Jesus said those who believe & are baptized will be saved (Mk. 16:15-16).
The necessity of repentance & remission (forgiveness) of sins is to be preached in Jesus’ name, and that message was to be proclaimed, beginning at Jerusalem (Lk. 24:46-47).
Unless one is born of the water & the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God (Jn. 3:3-5).
Believers were commanded to repent & be baptized for the remission (forgiveness) of sins, beginning at Jerusalem (Acts 2:36-39).
Men and women were baptized upon hearing preaching concerning the kingdom of God and the authority/Lordship of Jesus Christ (Acts 8:12).
Starting with Isa. 53, Philip guided the Ethiopian eunuch, preaching Jesus to him. Because of his strong belief in the message, the man of Ethiopia was eager to be baptized (Acts 8:36-39)!
After persecuting and seeing the resurrected Jesus, Saul of Tarsus neither ate nor drank for three days. When Ananias instructed Saul, he arose and was baptized, before receiving food (Acts 9:18-20).
Peter commanded Cornelius, along with Cornelius’ relatives and close friends to be baptized by the authority of the Lord (Acts 10:48). Peter told him what he must do (10:6); words by which he and all his household would be saved (11: 14).
Lydia heard the things spoken by Paul, her heart was opened, thus she and her household were baptized (Acts 16:13-15).
The Philippian jailer and his family had the word of the Lord spoken to them, they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, were baptized, and thus saved (Acts 16:30-33).
When Paul was in Corinth, many who heard him believed and were baptized (Acts 18:8; Cf. 1 Cor. 1).
Upon believing in Jesus as the resurrected Lord, the Ephesians Paul encountered were baptized in His name (Acts 19:3-5).
While addressing the mob in Jerusalem (after his 3rd preaching journey), Paul said that Ananias taught him how to call upon the name of the Lord – through washing away sins in the act of baptism (Acts 22:14-16)!
Recounting his conversion and efforts of preaching to King Agrippa, Paul emphasized repentance, turning to God, and doing works that were befitting repentance (Acts 26:19-20; Cf. Lk.24:26-47; Acts 2:36-38).
In teaching the saints of Rome not to continue in sin, Paul pointed to their burial with Christ in the waters of baptism, emphasizing a lifestyle necessary for obtaining eternal life (Rom. 6:1-4).
Paul taught the Corinthians that baptism should be performed in Jesus’ name (1 Cor. 1:12-13).
Harkening back to their conversion, Paul told the Corinthians that they were washed, sanctified, justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Cf. Acts 22:16)
To not be jealous of another’s spiritual gift(s), Paul told the Corinthians they were all baptized into one body (1 Cor. 12:13).
One is baptized for spiritual renewal in view/anticipation of their eventual resurrection from the dead (1 Cor. 15:29-31).
The salvation offered to mankind, in/through Jesus Christ, fulfills the spiritual seed promise made unto Abraham (Gal. 3:26-29).
Given the great blessings afforded in Christ, Paul taught the Ephesians to walk worthy of the calling with which they were called, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, mindful of the one Lord, faith, baptism, etc. (Eph. 4:4-6).
Again, to the Ephesians, Paul said the giving of Christ for the church was so that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of the water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, without blemish (Eph. 5:25-27). This hearkens back to baptism (for the remission of sins/being added to the Lord’s body, Cf. Acts 2)!
Warning the Colossian brethren against falsehood, Paul said they had everything they needed in Christ. And to emphasize his point, he spoke of baptism as a working of God (Col. 2:11-12)!
Those who say that preaching baptism is not a necessity for salvation really have their work cut out for them in explaining away so many plain statements made in Scripture (Tit. 3:4-7).
Speaking of plain statements in the Bible, the apostle Peter wrote that of that which now saves us – baptism, the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus, in Whom has been granted all authority (1 Pet. 3:21-22).
Finally, let us observe that the same Hebrews who were challenged to grow in their knowledge of spiritual matters (Cf. Heb. 6:2) were not to forget the commitment they made when becoming disciples of Jesus (Heb. 10:19-23).
CONCLUSION
The NT contains many passages concerning water baptism. I hope this list can help you establish, confirm, or reaffirm your faith.
Moreover, I pray that this lesson and list of passages will help equip you with the conviction necessary to speak to others on the importance of this matter. Use this list as you see fit.
As we end things for now, what must one do to become a Christian?
Jesus taught obedience (Mt. 7:21-23; 28:20; Lk. 6:46). He also taught that unless we believe in Him, we will die in our sins (Jn. 10:31-39). He taught repentance (Lk. 13:3; 24:46-47), confessing Him before others (Mt. 10:32-33), and baptism as a necessity (Mt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Jn. 3:5).
Perhaps it is because some people, like the Athenians, want to hear something new, or maybe they want to make some Bible characters more relatable. Unfortunately, some speak negatively about Joseph, calling him a daddy’s boy and a tattletale, even saying that he flaunted his abilities by talking about his dreams that depicted him as a ruler. However, to reach those conclusions, one must insert their own presuppositions rather than take what the text gives us. Straight to the point – if you take what the Bible gives you, there’s no reason to besmirch Joseph’s character.
About Joseph being his father’s favorite, his brothers had previously shown the type of character they possessed, so why would it be any surprise that Jacob favored Joseph (Gen. 34:25-31; 35:22)? Could it simply be that Joseph was the son of Rachel, the woman Jacob loved (Gen. 29:18; 37:3)? Could it be that Joseph was much more righteous than his brothers? Either way, there are other instances in which parents showed favoritism toward their child, which was neither admirable nor proper (Gen. 25:28). My point is that the inspired text does not indicate that Joseph did anything deserving to bring that favoritism upon himself.
Joseph gives his father an unfavorable report about his brothers (Gen. 37:2). Is there any reason the Bible text provides that should give us a conclusion that these men were genuinely up to no good? Many biblical texts reveal those men to be of poor character (Gen. 37:18-35; 38:1-30), so it should be no surprise that they would have a bad report returned to their father. Is there a passage supporting any claim that Joseph lied when giving a bad report about his brothers? Moreover, if they were doing something they should not have done, would Joseph have been doing his brothers a service by keeping his mouth shut? To besmirch Joseph because he gave a bad report about his brothers is entirely without merit.
Joseph told his brothers, including his father, about his dreams (Gen. 37:5-11). As the historical narrative unfolds, we see that God granted Joseph the ability to have insight into dreams (Gen. 40:5-23). So as it turns out, the dreams that had been revealed to Joseph (by God) were a foretelling of the events that would come (Gen. 42:9). Joseph relating those dreams to his family was, therefore, a forthtelling of what God had revealed to him. Again, there is no reason to besmirch Joseph’s character because he told his family about the dreams that God had revealed to him.
Whether it is because people are looking for something new or trying to make Joseph more relatable, it is disheartening that some paint Joseph as a negative person. There is nothing evil spoken of Joseph in the Bible! Instead, the way God speaks of Joseph ought to inspire all, especially young people (Gen. 37:1-2; 41:46). Knowing that you can be young and do right by God is noteworthy.
Moreover, Joseph was a victim of much of what he dealt with in his lifetime!! He could not help that his father showed him favoritism, that his brothers were jealous of him, that they conspired against him/sold him into slavery, that a married woman cast longing eyes after him, that he was wrongly accused of attempted rape, and put into prison. But Joseph COULD determine how he would deal with every one of those circumstances. I’m confident that Joseph struggled with the feelings that come along with being deeply hurt because the names of his children (Gen. 41:51-52) and the emotions he expressed later in life reflect the pains (Gen. 42:24; 45:2, 14; 50:17). Yet we are not given any indication that he wallowed in self-pity, nor did he ever give up on God!
This world is filled with many heartaches and injustices, and all sorts of people are genuine victims of evil circumstances, to no fault of their own. What will YOU do with the undeserved pains and anguishes of YOUR life? Joseph is a GREAT EXAMPLE of faith in every situation. We will see that as we read of him if we are content to take what the inspired text gives us.
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Many perceive Bible study as dull, which often coincides with the notion that Bible doctrine holds little significance. Is this how you view it? Does God truly care about our treatment of His word? Furthermore, can plain Bible truths convey different meanings to different individuals?
Paul advised Timothy that by instructing others based on his letters (1 Tim. 1:3-11), he would be a good minister of Jesus, flourishing in the words of faith and the sound doctrine he had followed so closely (4:6). He urged Timothy to prioritize reading, encouragement, and doctrine until he arrived (4:13). Paul also cautioned Timothy to pay close attention to himself and his teaching, emphasizing that perseverance in these matters would lead to his and his listeners’ salvation (4:16). He affirmed that elders who govern effectively deserve double honor, especially those who diligently work in the word and doctrine (5:17). Timothy was instructed that bondservants should honor their masters to prevent the name of God and His doctrine from being blasphemed (6:1), and the seriousness of doctrine is highlighted by Paul’s warning that if anyone teaches differently and disagrees with wholesome words, including Christ’s teachings, they are proud and lacking knowledge (6:3-5).
Everyone who desires to fulfill God’s word should seek to be nourished by faith (Rom. 10:17). We must diligently follow what God imparts through Scripture. And like Timothy, we should read and reflect on how we live in light of God’s teachings. Adhering to God’s doctrine is so crucial that it leads to our salvation! Moreover, our fidelity or failure to God’s teachings will influence how others perceive Him.
For those who believe God is indifferent to how we handle His word or view “doctrine” as tedious or unimportant, I ask—what about these Scriptures? So many today discuss “my truth” versus “his or her truth,” relating to personal perspectives… However, God’s word is presented as absolute (John 17:17). Thus, plain Bible truths cannot be interpreted subjectively.
Consider this: if you see a sign that warns of a bridge out ahead, would you take it to mean anything other than — that there’s a bridge out? If you encounter a stop sign, does it imply that you should either slow down or speed up?? Of course not—a stop sign means stop! Similarly, when God communicates through His word, He truly means what He says. Those who find the Bible uninteresting or deem doctrine trivial likely have not engaged deeply. God does care about how we honor His word; do we share that same reverence?
“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.” (1 Timothy 1:3-4, New King James Version)
Jesus consistently utilized parables as his primary teaching method. This choice not only engaged His audience but was also a strategic way to mask deeper meanings from those not earnestly seeking the truth of God’s word (Matthew 13:12-15). In every instance, Jesus’ parables compelled His listeners to think critically and delve deeper into spiritual matters (Mark 4:13). Though His use of parables posed challenges to their understanding, Jesus was generally willing to explain the meanings of these parables to those who inquired about them, though He did not always do so.
It is often said that parables are earthly stories with heavenly meanings, but that doesn’t go quite far enough. In Jesus’ parables, the analogy always concerned the kingdom of God, and since the things this world so often counter the essence of God’s spiritual kingdom, any attempt to point to anything in this world and say, ‘there is the kingdom of God,’ would bring many misunderstandings. Jesus frequently employed stories that included analogies relatable to His audience, such as farming practices. But, as His hearers began to feel at ease within a story’s context, Jesus would introduce a surprising twist that challenged their assumptions by bringing forth a lesson completely contrary to their preconceived notions. For example, consider that only twenty-five percent of the seed sown in the Parable of the Sower went on to bear fruit, whereas seventy-five percent did not (which, on the surface, looks discouraging). Yet, that same twenty-five percent in the parable is said to produce some thirty, some sixty, some hundredfold! Thus, Jesus greatly challenged the hearer’s understanding of how things operate in the spiritual realm… Those who teach are, therefore, encouraged to simply sow the seed and allow God to provide the increase. That is, in fact, why Jesus calls it “the parable of the sower” (Matthew 13:18). Through His teaching methods, Jesus challenged people to reevaluate everything they believed about God and His kingdom. This method still prompts modern hearers to reconsider their preconceived notions of the kingdom of God.
Application on the Parables of Jesus
Observing Jesus’ teaching techniques, we can consider the Parable of the Lost Son in Luke 15:11-32. One key theme that Luke emphasizes in his Gospel is that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Chapter fifteen begins with Luke informing his readers that all the “tax collectors” and “sinners” drew near to hear Jesus and that “the Pharisees and scribes complained,” saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:1, New King James Version). That is why Jesus spoke the parables presented in the rest of the chapter (Luke 15:3). Identifying the target audience, and the reason stated before Jesus’ discourse will aid in identifying the major lessons gleaned from the parable. First comes the parable of the lost sheep, in which Jesus describes a shepherd going out, leaving a flock of ninety-nine sheep to find one that strayed away from the flock. When the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he returns home rejoicing and shares the good news with his friends and neighbors. Jesus then spoke the Parable of the Lost Coin, concerning a woman who had ten coins, lost one, and diligently searched until she found it. In both instances, Jesus spoke of “joy” and “rejoicing” in heaven when one sinner repents. Both parables are very encouraging. Then came a parable concerning a man with his two sons. The story centers on how younger of the two sons asked for his share of an inheritance, which he was given, and then journeyed to a far-off country where he wasted his possessions with riotous, sinful living. After spending everything that he had, a famine came onto the land, and this son began to be in want. So, he attached himself to a citizen of that country and was sent into his fields to feed swine. The story mentions this young man became so hungry that he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods the swine ate, but no one gave him any! If we pause right there, for those of the first-century Jewish audience, this wasteful man seems to have gotten what he deserved. Because the Pharisees and scribes considered themselves righteous, one may infer that they would have looked down upon such a man (Luke 15:2-3). Nevertheless, Jesus does not end His story on this point. Instead, He further described how that young man “came to himself,” realizing that while his father’s servants had plenty of food, he was starving to death (Luke 15:17). The son, therefore, resolved to go to his father in humility to acknowledge his sins, and even his unworthiness to be called his father’s son. The young man determined to be like one of his father’s hired servants and arose to journey home. But when he was still far off, his father saw him and had compassion. Furthermore, the father ran to his son, fell on his neck, and kissed him! The son acknowledged his sinfulness, but the father does not rebuke him. Instead, the father rejoices by putting the best robe on his son, a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet. Moreover, the father’s servants were told to bring the fatted calf to be eaten because, as the father said, his son “was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15:24) But as the father’s older son is in the field, and as he comes and draws near to the house, he hears music and dancing. So, he called one of the servants and asked what that meant. He was told that his brother had come home, that his father had received him safe and sound, and everyone was rejoicing! But instead of being pleased, the older son was angry and refused to attend the feast. That is when his father came out and entreated him to rejoice. The older son then complained to his father about how he had been faithful in everything for many years, while his father’s son went out and wasted his possessions on harlots. After complaining about how sinful his younger brother was while extolling his virtues and that he did not receive such praise, the son is pleaded with by his father. The older had always been with him; all the father had was his. It was therefore fitting that they should make merry and be glad, because his brother was dead and is alive again; he was lost and now he was found.
The parable’s end does not describe how the older brother responds to this pleading from the father. It concludes with a cliffhanger. But from the onset, the story concerns a person who was very covetous and wasteful, and the Pharisees may have even considered the subsequent famine as part of God’s retributive justice. But surprisingly, Jesus gave insight into the younger son’s heart, describing his feelings of humility and measure of true repentance. Moreover, there is a sharp contrast revealed in that the father was willing to accept his penitent son, whereas the older brother continued to look down upon the younger with contempt. Most of the Pharisees would not have thought of themselves as being in the position of the lost son. Instead, they likely perceived that Jesus aligned the Pharisees’ and scribe’s’ attitude with the older brother’s thinking. While encouraging sinners to come to their senses and repents, Jesus also revealed that many in attendance had very calloused and unforgiving attitudes. Moreover, Jesus did not finish the parable by informing anyone of the older brother’s concluding response. So then, Jesus left His hearers with an unspoken challenge: How would they, in turn, respond to other people that sought God’s forgiveness, after they themselves have been striving to remain pure? Perhaps Luke even intended for his readers to put themselves into the story and determine how they would respond.
For the modern audience, many immediately place themselves in the younger son’s position. Within the New Testament, there is the theme throughout that concerns grace being extended to sinners through the blood of Jesus Christ (Cf. Luke 24:46-47; Romans 3:24-25). Indeed, if one comes to their senses, they too can humbly approach a loving Father who is willing to joyfully accept them with forgiveness (Luke 15:7, 10, 20). I find great comfort in that. However, one should heed the other side revealed in this parable, because while there is great comfort in Jesus’s words about forgiveness, there is also an implicit warning against self-righteous attitudes that causes one to look down upon others (cf. Luke 15:1-2; 5:31-32; 18:9-14). The same Jesus who calls for men to seek after righteousness also demands that men possess a readiness to forgive (cf. Luke 15:31-32; 17:3-4). How will the reader of Luke chapter fifteen respond to the Parable of the Lost Son? Today’s readers are still left wondering how the elder brother ultimately responds. The teaching methods of Jesus, especially His use of parables, continue to challenge hearers to reconsider their thinking today!
The statement from Isaiah is often quoted to emphasize the vast difference between human and divine thinking. However, a closer study of the text reveals a more profound message directed at God’s people. During Isaiah’s time, the kingdom was divided between Israel and Judah. Both kingdoms had strayed from God’s path, leading to the need for repentance. God wanted His people to embody His holiness and live according to His ways. Through Isaiah, God called upon His people to abandon their sinful ways and align their thinking with His. The passage therefore highlights God’s desire for His people to embrace His way of thinking, presenting a challenging — yet remarkable — opportunity for transformation! While we do fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23), we can continually strive to align our thinking with God’s, ultimately partaking in His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4)!!
Holy God, You are the great God of all heaven and the earth. You created all things, and know the thoughts of every living person on this earth. You alone are worthy to be praised. As your creation, I want to be more like You, my Creator. Enable me fuller knowledge of your word, that I may grow to be more like You. I open my heart to You. Cultivate and mold me in holiness and strength of character. Thus, may my manner of living be productive in service to both You and my fellow man. Bless me in this, please. It is in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
6 Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
10 “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater,
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
12 “For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; And it shall be to the Lord for a name, For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”
