We are not just saved by childlike faith. We are called to live by childlike faith. It is an attitude and posture we should maintain throughout our lives.

Each of these stories provide us with Jesus’ definition of faith. In this particular story, it’s the definition of saving faith.

The Pharisees are looking for signs of an external, political, religious kingdom. As such, they miss the internal, spiritual, present kingdom in Jesus and his followers.

In this passage, Jesus turns from the Pharisees and their temporary mindset to his disciples and the characteristics of his eternal kingdom. What’s at the heart of following Jesus?

The person who won’t be convinced by the Bible, won’t be convinced by miracles.

This Sunday, in Luke 16:14-18, Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the ever-present Pharisees who are still “lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say” (Lk 11:54).

Prodigal means, “wasteful.” In this story, both sons are wasteful. In their own ways, they each waste their relationship with the Father. But in reality, it’s the Father, who is really wasteful. He wasted an inheritance on the younger son. He’s wasting love on the elder son. No matter how wasteful you are of your life, God will meet it and match it, overwhelm it by his abundant love.

This story is all about the worth of the search. It demonstrates the value of what was lost – a single coin – but worth the effort for the Searcher as illustrated in the joy experienced in its recovery.

There is no mistaking what Jesus is saying. This is one parable told three different ways. The shepherd, the woman and the father are metaphors for what God is doing through Jesus.