Devotions in the Deep End

This is a story of mercy received, and mercy withheld.  It's a massive lesson Jesus is telling for the benefit of the church - even now!

This is a very short reflection on the issue of forgiveness within the church.  These verses sit right between two very big ideas, so I though I would give this a bit of direct attention before going into the parable that follows.  I hope it's helpful to you!

This is a bit of a look at a well-known, but often overlooked teaching from Jesus.  When there are disputes and issues of sin in the church, they must be dealt with, and Jesus gives some very clear instructions on how we are to do this.  Here are my thoughts on what Jesus has to say. 

I have prepared three shorter podcasts around the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and this is the second of these.  The first two are designed in part for your personal reflection; but I am also hopeful that they might be helpful to your own faith sharing work too.  You may want to consider sitting with an un-churched friend as you listen and reflect together over this message, and the one that comes immediately before.  If you DO try that, please be sure to let me know how it goes!

I have prepared three shorter podcasts around the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and this is the first of these.  The first two are designed in part for your personal reflection; but I am also hopeful that they might be helpful to your own faith sharing work too.  You may want to consider sitting with an un-churched friend as you listen and reflect together over this message, and the one that will come immediately after.  If you DO try that, please be sure to let me know how it goes! 

This is a well known parable, which happens to have been told in two very different contexts going by how the various Gospel writers present it.  As I put this episode together, I found myself thinking a lot about modern sheep farming and the mindset of what one lost sheep might really mean to a farmer or shepherd on human terms.  My learning over this time gave me a new appreciation for the parable, and for the extra reminder that God's ways really are higher than ours!