Who Gets The Love?

Read: Luke 15:11-32

Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. —Luke 15:31

Bible In One Year: Song of Solomon 1-3; Galatians 2

A sociologist was writing a book about the difficulties of growing up in a large family, so he interviewed the mother of 13 children. After several questions, he asked, "Do you think all children deserve the full, impartial love and attention of a mother?"

"Of course," said the mother.

"Well, which of your children do you love the most?" he asked, hoping to catch her in a contradiction.

She answered, "The one who is sick until he gets well, and the one who is away until he gets home."

That mother's response reminds me of the shepherd who left 99 sheep to seek the one that was lost (Luke 15:4), the woman who searched for the one coin (v.8), and the father who threw a party when his wayward son returned (vv.22-24).

The religious leaders of Jesus' day resented the way He gave so much attention to sinners (vv.1-2). So He told those stories to emphasize God's love for people who are lost in sin. God has more than enough love to go around. Besides, those who are "well" and are not "lost" experience the Father's love as fully as those to whom He gives special attention (v.31).

Father, forgive us for feeling slighted when You shower Your love on needy sinners. Help us to see how needy we are and to abide in Your boundless love. —Mart De Haan