What Jesus Did! 'Better in My Father's House' — Luke 15:17-19

Thursday, September 14, 2023

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[Continuing the tale of the two sons, Jesus said,] "When [the younger son who had wasted all his money] finally came to his senses, he said to himself, 'At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, "Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant."'"

Note: This passage continues the third story (Luke 15:11-32) that Jesus told about the joy of recovering something or someone that is lost. The other two stories are Luke 15:3-7 and Luke 15:8-10.
— Luke 15:17-19 NLT

Key Thought

So often we forget some of the many ways we are blessed in the family of God. The rebellious young son was reminded of his former blessings the hard way; he lost everything he previously had at home. He had wasted his inheritance on top of everything else. However, as much as he had lost, he came to a life-changing realization: A slave in his father's house had it better than he did with his freedom but away from his father. Oh, that we would learn this lesson and put it into practice.

Today's Prayer

Father, without your presence and your power, no matter where I am or what I'm doing, it is not enough to replace being in your family. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Psalm 84:10
  • Psalm 32:1-2
  • Psalm 64:10

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 15:17-19 NLT — "When [the younger son who had wasted all his money] finally came to his senses, he said to himself, 'At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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