Scripture to Read: Luke 15:22–24
The son had returned home, he had confessed his sin to his father and told his father he was not even worthy of being called his son anymore. But then, Jesus reveals this to us in Luke 15:22–24, “But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; 23 and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.” The father reveals his forgiveness without ever saying the words, “you are forgiven.” Instead, the father turns to his servants and tells them to dress his son as royalty and to prepare a banquet for a huge celebration feast because his son who had died to him had been given life again. Though his son was lost, now he had been found. The beauty is that the robe symbolizes the son’s status and identity. By giving him the “best” one, the father was reversing the son’s disgrace and loss of belonging. The ring in this day and time was a mark of authority and belonging. By placing the ring on his hand, the father was saying, “you’re not just tolerated here, but you are part of this family.” Even the sandals were a sign that the son was restored to dignity in the family. Through Christ, we are forgiven, completely restored to full dignity and identity in God’s family.
Challenge & Application
How did the father respond to his son’s confession of his sin, and what does that reveal to you about God’s response to us?
How did the father reveal the son being fully restored to sonship and his rightful place in the family, and how does Christ do that for us?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!