The Parable of the Lost Sheep. The Parable of the Lost Coin. The Parable of the Prodigal Son. 

Lars Olson reminds us parables are a depiction of what God is doing for you, not a, “choose your own adventure,” of characters you’re supposed to model your behavior after. 

When you hear the Parable of the Prodigal Son, listen for when the word of mercy hits both brothers. That is repentance. That is the season of Lent. 

The first son, after squandering everything, tries to explain to his father, but his father doesn’t hear any of it. Here’s a ring, here’s a robe. You’re my son, not a slave. 

The second son is bitter, seeing himself as a slave who’s worked tirelessly for his father all these years. His father calls him son, and reminds him of his promise. 

The father is collecting sinners and showing them what he’s doing for them. 

HOLY WEEK GUIDE 

As we enter into Lent, we know that Holy Week lies on the other side of these 40 days. And though its completion is marked with triumphant joy, there is no “skip to the end” option here. The only way out is through, but it is not even our burden to bear — “We come only to hear, to receive, to be repented.” 

As you prepare for Holy Week, we invite you to take advantage of our brand new, free Holy Week Planning Guide, courtesy of Pastor Mark Anderson, which includes weekly planning outlines, Bible studies, activities, liturgies, and hymns. Link to access the guide. 

GOSPEL 

Luke 15:1-3,11b-32 

3 So he told them this parable: 

11 Then Jesus said, "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands." ' 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe -- the best one -- and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.

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