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1. The Doorkeeper
Scripture: Mark 13:33-37 (Matthew 24:42)
33 Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come.34 It is like a
man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge,
each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35 Watch
therefore -- for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the
evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning -- 36 lest he come
suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Watch."
Meditation: What does the Lord expect from us and are we ready to meet his
expectations? The Lord Jesus told a story that was familiar to his followers -- the
necessity for laborers to be ready for action and ready to give their best when the
master returned from his journey. Were these servants excited or anxious about
their master's return? The watchful servants looked forward to the future because
they knew their master would be pleased and would reward them for their
vigilance and hard work. Disaster and reprisal, however, awaited those who were
unprepared because of carelessness or laziness.
The prophet Isaiah tells us that God will surely reward those who wait for him:
"From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God
besides you, who works for those who wait for him" (Isaiah 64:4). Our Master, the
Lord Jesus Christ, entrusts us with his gifts and grace and he expects to be ready
for action and prepared for the future. Our call is not only believe, but to watch;
not only to love, but to watch; not only to obey, but to watch! What are we to
watch for? The greatest event to come --the return of our Master and Lord Jesus
Christ when he comes again in glory at the end of the age. The kind of watching
our Lord has in mind is not a passive "wait and see what happens" approach to
life. The Lord urges us to vigilance and to active prayer that his "kingdom may
come" and his "will be done on earth as it is in heaven". We are not only to
watch forChrist, but to watch with Christ. The Lord wants us to have our hearts
and minds fixed on him and his word. He wants us to be ready for his action and
grace in our lives and in our world. Those who "wait" for the Lord will not be
disappointed. He will surely come with his grace and saving help. Do you watch
for the Lord's action in your life with expectant faith and with joyful hope?
"Lord, awaken my heart and mind to receive your word and to prepare for your
coming again. Free me from complacency, from the grip of sin and worldliness,
and from attachments to things which pass away. May I always be eager to
receive your word and be ready to meet you when you came again."
The Thief and the Servants
Scripture: Luke 12:32-48 (see also Matthew 24: 42-51)
32 "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the
kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give alms; provide yourselves with purses
that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no
thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will
your heart be also. 35 "Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning, 36 and be

2. like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the marriage feast,
so that they may open to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are
those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes; truly, I say to you,
he will gird himself and have them sit at table, and he will come and serve them.
38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them so, blessed are
those servants! 39 But know this, that if the householder had known at what hour
the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40 You
also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an unexpected hour." 41 Peter
said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?" 42 And the Lord said,
"Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his master will set over his
household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that
servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. 44 Truly, I say to you,
he will set him over all his possessions. 45 But if that servant says to himself, `My
master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the menservants and the
maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant
will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know,
and will punish him, and put him with the unfaithful. 47 And that servant who
knew his master's will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall
receive a severe beating. 48 But he who did not know, and did what deserved a
beating, shall receive a light beating. Every one to whom much is given, of him
will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand
the more.
Meditation: What does treasure, a thief, a wedding feast, and a homecoming have
in common? Jesus loved to tell stories (in the form of parables) using common
everyday images to draw some rather unusual comparisons and often quite
unexpected lessons for his audience. There is an element of surprise in the story
of the master returning home unexpectedly after the marriage feast. Will he catch
his servant sleeping rather than keeping watchful guard? And how about the
person who possessed great wealth, but woke up one day to discover that a thief
had carried it all off. What does this say to us about the kingdom of heaven? The
treasure God offers is of far greater value that any earthly treasure and more
secure! But it's possible to lose this treasure if we do not guard what has been
entrusted to us by God. What is this treasure? The Lord offers us a relationship
with him as his sons and daughters and the promise of eternal life as well. The
image Jesus uses here is a great wedding feast in which the master honors his
guests by seating them in the place of honor and personally waiting on them
himself. This parable also contains a lesson in faithfulness and a warning against
sloth. Why is faithfulness so important to God? For one, it's the foundation for
any lasting and meaningful relationship. Faithfulness or fidelity allows us to
persevere in living out an unswerving commitment. The Lord is committed to us
in a bond of unbreakable love and fidelity. That is what covenant means --
keeping one's word, promise, and commitment no matter how tough or difficult it
gets. Faithfulness is a key character trait of God and one that he expects of us.
Fortunately God gives the grace and strength to be faithful. He also rewards
faithfulness. Why is fidelity or faithfulness so difficult today? Modern society
extols freedom over fidelity and doesn't want to be bound to an unknown or
uncertain future. It's also inconvenient and a burden to the pursuit of one's own
interests. We badly need to recover this virtue, not only for our own sake, but for
the sake of the next generation as well. If we want to pass on the faith then we
need to first be faithful models for our youth. Faithfulness demands consistency, a

3. determination to stay the course, and hard work. Cal Ripken, the American
baseball player for the Baltimore Orioles, is a sports hero simply because he
always shows up and gives his best. He hasn't missed one game in his 26 years of
playing baseball! Only one other player in history has come close to that record.
In 1983 he hurt his hand sliding on artificial turf and was unable to grip the bat at
first; he somehow gritted his teeth and got five hits that night, two of them home
runs. The joy and privilege of being a son or daughter of God carries with it an
awesome responsibility. The Lord expects us to make good use of the gifts and
graces he gives to us. The more he gives, the more he requires. The temptation
while the Master is away is to put off for tomorrow what we know the Master
expects us to do today! Are you faithful to God and ready to give him an account
of your stewardship?
"Lord, you are faithful even when I fail. Help me to remain ever faithful to you
and to not shrink back when I encounter difficulties. Make me diligent in the
exercise of my responsibilities and wise and prudent in the use of my gifts, time
and resources."
The Strong Man Bound
Scripture: Luke 11:15-26 (Mark 3:24-27; Matthew 12:29)
15 But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Be-el'zebul, the prince of
demons"; 16 while others, to test him, sought from him a sign from heaven. 17 But
he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is
laid waste, and a divided household falls. 18 And if Satan also is divided against
himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Be-
el'zebul. 19 And if I cast out demons by Be-el'zebul, by whom do your sons cast
them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 20 But if it is by the finger of God
that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a
strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace; 22 but
when one stronger than he assails him and overcomes him, he takes away his
armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoil. 23 He who is not with me is
against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. 24 "When the unclean
spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest; and
finding none he says, `I will return to my house from which I came.' 25 And when
he comes he finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then he goes and brings seven
other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last
state of that man becomes worse than the first.
Meditation: Do you make full use of the spiritual protection which the Lord
provides for his people? The Lord assures us of his protection from spiritual
harm. Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your
habitation, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For he will
give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways (Psalm 91:9-11).
Jesus' numerous exorcisms brought freedom to many who were troubled and
oppressed by the work of evil spirits. Jesus himself encountered personal
opposition and battled with Satan when he was put to the test in the wilderness just
before his public ministry. He overcame the evil one through his obedience to the

4. will of his Father. Some of the Jewish leaders reacted vehemently to Jesus'
healings and exorcisms and they opposed him with malicious slander. How could
he get the power and authority to release individuals from Satan's power? They
assumed that he had to be in league with Satan. They attributed his power to Satan
rather than to God.
Jesus answers their charge with two arguments. There were many exorcists in
Palestine in Jesus' time. So Jesus retorted by saying that they also incriminate their
own kin who cast out demons. If they condemn Jesus they also condemn
themselves. In his second argument he asserts that no kingdom divided against
itself can survive for long? We have witnessed enough civil wars in our own time
to prove the destructive force at work here for the annihilation of whole peoples
and their land. If Satan lends his power against his own forces then he is finished.
How can a strong person be defeated except by someone who is stronger? Jesus
asserted his power and authority to cast out demons as a clear demonstration of the
reign of God. Jesus' reference to the finger of God points back to Moses'
confrontation with Pharoah and his magicians who represented Satan and the
kingdom of darkness (see Exodus 8:19). Jesus claims to be carrying on the
tradition of Moses whose miracles freed the Israelites from bondage by the finger
of God. God's power is clearly at work in the exorcisms which Jesus performed
and they give evidence that God's kingdom has come.
What is the point of Jesus' grim story about a vacant house being occupied by an
evil force? It is not enough to banish evil thoughts and habits. We must also fill
the void with God who is the source of all that is good and upright. Augustine of
Hippo said that our lives have a God-shaped void which only God can fill
satisfactory. If we attempt to leave it vacant or to fill it with something else, we
will be worse in the end. What do you fill the void in your life with? Jesus makes
it clear that there are no neutral parties. We are either for Jesus or against him, for
the kingdom of God or against it. There are two kingdoms in opposition to one
another – the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness under the rule of
Satan. If we disobey God's word, we open to door to the power of sin and Satan.
If we want to live in freedom from sin and Satan, then our house must be occupied
by Jesus where he is enthroned as Lord and Savior. Do you know the peace and
security of a life submitted to God and his word?
"Lord Jesus, be the ruler of my heart and the master of my home. May there be
nothing in my life that is not under your lordship."
he Divided Realm
Scripture: Mark 3:22-27 (Luke 11:17-20)
22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Be-
el'zebul, and by the prince of demons he casts out the demons." 23 And he called
them to him, and said to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a
kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is
divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has
risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end.

5. 27 But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first
binds the strong man; then indeed he may plunder his house.
Meditation: Are you adequately protected from spiritual danger and evil? Jesus'
numerous exorcisms brought freedom to many who were troubled and oppressed
by the works of evil spirits. Jesus himself encountered personal opposition and
battle with Satan when he was put to the test in the wilderness just before his
public ministry. He overcame the evil one through his obedience to the will of his
Father. Some of the Jewish leaders reacted vehemently to Jesus' healings and
exorcisms and they opposed him with malicious slander. How could he get the
power and authority to release individuals from Satan's power? They assumed that
he had to be in league with Satan. They attributed his power to Satan rather than to
God. Jesus answers their charge with two arguments. There were many exorcists
in Palestine in Jesus' time. So Jesus retorted by saying that they also incriminate
their own kin who cast out demons. If they condemn Jesus they also condemn
themselves. In his second argument he asserts that no kingdom divided against
itself can survive for long? We have witnessed enough civil wars in our own time
to prove the destructive force at work here for the annihilation of whole peoples
and their land. If Satan lends his power against his own forces then he is finished.
How can a strong person be defeated except by someone who is stronger? Jesus
asserted his authority to cast out demons as a clear demonstration of the reign of
God. God's power is clearly at work in the exorcisms which Jesus performed and
they give evidence that God's kingdom has come.
What is the point of Jesus' grim story about a strong man's house being occupied
by an evil force? Our foe and the arch-enemy of God, who is Satan, is stronger
than us. Unless we are clothed in God's strength, we cannot withstand Satan with
our own strength. What does Satan wish to take from us? Our faith and confidence
in God and our submission to his kingly rule. Satan can only have power or
dominion over us if we listen to his lies and succumb to his will which is contrary
to the will of God. Jesus makes it clear that there are no neutral parties in this
world. We are either for Jesus or against him, for the kingdom of God or against it.
There are two kingdoms in opposition to one another – the kingdom of God and
the kingdom of darkness under the rule of Satan. If we disobey God's word, we
open to door to the power of sin and Satan. If we want to live in freedom from sin
and Satan, then our house must be occupied by Jesus where he is enthroned as
Lord as Savior. Do you know the peace and security of a life submitted to God and
his word?
"Lord Jesus, you are my hope and salvation. Be the ruler of my heart and the
master of my home. May there be nothing in my life that is not under your
lordship."
The Bothersome Neighbor
Scripture: Luke 11:5-8
5 And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight
and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on

6. a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7 and he will answer from within,
`Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I
cannot get up and give you anything'? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and
give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will
rise and give him whatever he needs.
Meditation: What can we expect from God, especially when we recognize that he
doesn't owe us anything and that we don't deserve his grace and favor? Jesus used
the illustration of a late-night traveller to teach his listeners an important lesson
about how God treats us in contrast to the kind of treatment we might expect from
good neighbors. The rule of hospitality in biblical times required the cooperation
of the entire community in entertaining an unexpected or late-night guest. Whether
the guest was hungry or not, a meal would be served. In a small village it would be
easy to know who had baked bread that day. Bread was essential for a meal
because it served as a utensil for dipping and eating from the common dishes.
Asking for bread from one's neighbor was both a common occurrence and an
expected favor. To refuse to give bread would bring shame because it was a sign
of inhospitality.
If a neighbor can be imposed upon and coerced into giving bread in the middle of
the night, how much more hospitable is God, who, no matter what the
circumstances, is generous and ready to give us what we need. Augustine of Hippo
reminds us that "God, who does not sleep and who awakens us from sleep that we
may ask, gives much more graciously." In conclusion Jesus makes a startling
claim: How much more will the heavenly Father give! The Lord is ever ready to
give us not only what we need, but more than we can expect. He gives freely of
his Holy Spirit that we may share in his life and joy. Do you approach your
heavenly Father with confidence in his mercy and kindness?
"Heavenly Father, you are merciful, gracious and kind. May I never doubt your
love nor hesitate to seek you with confidence in order to receive from your hand
the daily bread I need to live as your disciple and child."
The Son's Request
Scripture: Luke 11:5-13 (Matthew 7:9-11)
5 And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight
and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on
a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7 and he will answer from within,
`Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I
cannot get up and give you anything'? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and
give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will
rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given
you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For every one
who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be
opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish
give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you
then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more
will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

7. Meditation: Jesus' illustrations of food and hospitality tell us something about the
generosity of a loving God towards his people. What can we expect from God,
especially when we recognize that he doesn't owe us anything and that we don't
deserve his grace and favor? In the first parable we see how a neighbor is coerced
into giving his friend what he needs to meet the demands of hospitality. The
second parable of the father feeding his son illustrates the unthinkable! How
could a loving father refuse to give his son what is good; or worse, to give him
what is harmful? In conclusion Jesus makes a startling claim: How
much more will the heavenly Father give to those who ask! Our heavenly Father
graciously gives beyond our expectations. That is why we can boldly pray: Give
us this day our daily bread. Do you pray with confident expectation that your
heavenly Father will give you what you need to live and serve him?
"Heavenly Father, your grace knows no bounds, for you are merciful, gracious
and kind. May I never doubt your love nor hesitate to seek you with confidence in
order to obtain the gifts, graces, and daily provision I need to live as your disciple
and child."
The Unjust Judge and the Importunate Widow
Scripture: Luke 18:1-8
1 And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not
lose heart. 2 He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God
nor regarded man; 3 and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him
and saying, `Vindicate me against my adversary.' 4 For a while he refused; but
afterward he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor regard man, 5 yet
because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by
her continual coming.'" 6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge
says. 7 And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will
he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily.
Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Meditation: Persistence pays off, and that's especially true for those who trust in
God. Jesus tells a story that is all too true -- a defenseless widow is taken
advantaged of and refused her rights. Through sheer persistence she wears down
an unscrupulous judge until he gives her justice. Jesus illustrates how God as our
Judge is much quicker to bring us his justice, blessing, and help when we need it.
But we can easily loose heart and forget to ask our Heavenly Father for his grace
and help. Jesus told this parable to give fresh hope and confidence to his disciples.
In this present life we can expect adversity and trials, but we are not without hope
in God's provident care and justice. When trials come your way and setbacks
disappoint you, where do you turn for help? Do you pray with expectant faith and
confidence in God's merciful care and providence for you?
"Lord, give me faith to believe your promises and give me perseverance and hope
to withstand trials and adversities. Help me to trust in your unfailing love and to
find joy and contentment in you alone."

8. The Pharisee and the Publican
Scripture: Luke 18:9-14
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were
righteous and despised others: 10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a
Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with
himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust,
adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all
that I get.' 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes
to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!' 14 I tell
you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one
who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Meditation: What did Jesus wish to tell his hearers in the story of the Pharisee
and the tax collector? Luke gives us a hint: Jesus warns us about the danger of
despising others. Contempt is more than being mean-minded. It springs from the
assumption that one is qualified to sit in the seat of judgment and to ascertain who
is good and just. Jesus' story caused offense for those who regarded "tax
collectors" as unworthy of God's grace and favor. How could Jesus put down a
"religious leader" and raise up a "public sinner"? Jesus' parable speaks about the
nature of prayer and our relationship with God. It does this by contrasting two
very different attitudes towards prayer. The Pharisee, who represented those who
take pride in their religious practices, exalted himself at the expense of others.
Absorbed with his own sense of "self-satisfaction" and "self-congratulation" he
mainly prayed with himself. His prayer consisted of prideful boasts of what he did
and of disdain for those he despised. The Pharisee tried to justify himself; but only
God can justify. The tax collector, who represented those despised by religious
people, humbled himself before God and begged for mercy. His prayer was heard
by God because he had remorse for his sins. He sought God with humility rather
than with pride. This parable presents both an opportunity and a warning. Pride
leads to illusion and self-deception. Humility helps us to see ourselves as we really
are and it inclines us to God's grace and mercy. God dwells with the humble of
heart who recognize their own sinfulness and who acknowledge God's mercy and
saving grace. I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a
contrite and humble spirit (Isaiah 57:15). God cannot hear us if we despise
others. Do you humbly seek God's mercy and do you show mercy to others,
especially those you find difficult to love and to forgive?
"Lord, may your love control my thoughts and actions that I may do what is
pleasing to you. Show me where I lack charity, mercy, and forgiveness toward my
neighbor. And help me to be generous in giving to others what you have so
generously given to me."
The Good Samaritan
Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

9. 25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what
shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 26 He said to him, "What is written in the law?
How do you read?" 27 And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with
all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your
mind; and your neighbor as yourself." 28 And he said to him, "You have answered
right; do this, and you will live." 29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to
Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" 30 Jesus replied, "A man was going down from
Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him,
and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down
that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a
Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33
But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he
had compassion, 34 and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and
wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of
him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper,
saying, `Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I
come back.' 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man
who fell among the robbers?" 37 He said, "The one who showed mercy on him."
And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Meditation: When you encounter others in trouble, especially with people you
want to avoid, how do you respond? Jesus posed such a scenario to the religious
experts of his day. He contrasted the attitudes of three bystanders to the scene of a
bloody victim beaten half-dead. Why did the religious leaders refuse help while an
outsider, a Samaritan who was despised by the Jews, came to the rescue? Who
showed true compassion and mercy? Jesus makes the supposed villain, the
despised Samaritan, the merciful one as an example for the status conscious Jews.
Why didn't the priest and Levite stop to help? The priest probably didn't want to
risk the possibility of ritual impurity. His piety got in the way of charity. The
Levite approached close to the victim, but stopped short of actually helping him.
Perhaps he feared that bandits might be waiting to ambush him. The Levite put
personal safety ahead of saving his neighbor. Are you willing and ready to do
good for others, even to those you do not want to associate with?
"Lord, may your love always be the foundation of my life. And may my love for
you express itself in an eagerness to do good for others."
The Prodigal Son
Scripture: Luke 15:11-32
11 And he said, "There was a man who had two sons; 12 and the younger of them
said to his father, `Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.' And he
divided his living between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son
gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he
squandered his property in loose living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a
great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. 15 So he went and
joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to
feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and

10. no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself he said, `How many of
my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with
hunger! 18 I will arise 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 as one of your hired servants."' 20 And he arose and came to his
father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion,
and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And 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 servants, `Bring quickly the best robe, and
put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; 23 and bring the
fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; 24 for this my son was dead,
and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry. 25
"Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he
heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what this
meant. 27 And he said to him, `Your brother has come, and your father has killed
the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.' 28 But he was angry
and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered
his father, `Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your
command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends.
30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots,
you killed for him the fatted calf!' 31 And he said to him, `Son, you are always
with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to make merry and be glad,
for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"
Meditation: The parable of the father and his two sons is the longest one in the
gospels. What is the main point of the story? Is it the contrast between an
obedient and a disobedient son or is it between the reception given to a spendthrift
son by the father and the reception given by the eldest son? Jesus contrasts the
father's merciful love with the eldest son's somewhat harsh reaction to his errant
brother and to the lavish party his joyful father throws for his repentant son. While
the errant son had wasted his father's money, his father, nonetheless, maintained
unbroken love for his son. The son, while he was away, learned a lot about
himself. And he realized that his father had given him love which he had not
returned. He had yet to learn about the depth of his father's love for him. His deep
humiliation at finding himself obliged to feed on the husks of pigs and his
reflection on all he had lost, led to his repentance and decision to declare himself
guilty before his father. While he hoped for reconciliation with his father, he
could not have imagined a full restoration of relationship. The father did not need
to speak words of forgiveness to his son; his actions spoke more loudly and
clearly! The beautiful robe, the ring, and the festive banquet symbolize the new
life -- pure, worthy, and joyful -- of anyone who returns to God. The prodigal
could not return to the garden of innocence, but he was welcomed and reinstated
as a son. The errant son's dramatic change from grief and guilt to forgiveness and
restoration express in picture-language the resurrection from the dead, a rebirth to
new life from spiritual death. The parable also contrasts mercy and its opposite --
unforgiveness. The father who had been wronged, was forgiving. But the eldest
son, who had not been wronged, was unforgiving. His unforgiveness turns into
contempt and pride. And his resentment leads to his isolation and estrangement
from the community of forgiven sinners. In this parable Jesus gives a vivid picture
of God and what God is like. God is truly kinder than us. He does not lose hope or
give up when we stray. He rejoices in finding the lost and in leading them home.

11. Do you know the joy of repentance and restoration of sonship with your heavenly
Father?
"Lord, may I never doubt your love nor take for granted the mercy you have
shown to me. Fill me with your transforming love that I may be merciful as you
are merciful."

12. The Parables of Jesus
"I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world."
(Matt. 13:35)
OPEN & CLOSED DOORS
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The Closed Door (Luke 13:24-30)
The Doorkeeper (Mark 13:33-37; cf. Matt 24:42)
Introduction: What Is a
The Thief in the Night and the Faithful Servants (Matthew 24:42-51.;
Parable? Luke 12:32-48.)
The Strong Man Bound (Matt.12:29; Mark 3:27; Luke 11:21 f.)
"No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a
The Divided Realm (Mark 3:24-26; Luke 11:17-20)
cellar or under a bushel, but on a stand, that
those who enter may see the light." (Luke The Unoccupied House or The Demon's Invasion (Matthew 12:43-45;
11:33) Luke 11:24-26)
The Importunate Neighbor (Luke 11:5-8)
The Son's Request (Matthew 7:9-11; Luke 11:11-13)
The Unjust Judge or The Importunate Widow (Luke 18:1-8)
The Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14)

13. WORK AND WAGES
PARABLES FROM NATURE
Master and Servant (Luke 17:7-10)
The Sower and the Seeds (Mark 4:3-9; Matt 13:3-9; Luke 8:5-8)
The Servant Entrusted with Authority or The Faithful and Unfaithful
The Grain of Wheat (John 12:24) Servants (Matt. 24:45-51; Luke 12:42-46)
The Weeds in the Grain or the Tares (Matt 13:24-30) The Waiting Servants (Luke 12:35-38; Mark 13:33-37)
The Net (Matthew 13:47-50) The Laborers in the Vineyard or The Generous Employer (Matt.20:1-
The Seed Growing Secretly (Spontaneously) or The Patient 16)
Husbandman (Mark 4:26-29) The Money in Trust or The Talents (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-
The Mustard Seed (Matt13:31f.;Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18 f.) 27)
The Leaven (Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:20 f.) The Lamp (Matt 5:14-16; Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16, 11:31) and The City
The Budding Fig Tree (Matt 24:32 f.; Mark 13:28 f.; Luke 21:19-31) Set on a Hill (Matt. 5:14b)
The Barren Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9) The Body's Lamp (Matthew 6:22 f.; Luke 11:34-36)
The Birds of Heaven (Matthew 6:26; Luke 12:24) The Discarded Salt (Matt 5:13; Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34 f.)
The Flowers of the Field (Matt 6:28-30; Luke 12:27f.) The Patch and the Wineskins (Matt. 9:16 f.; Mark 2:21 f.; Luke 5:36-
39)
The Vultures & the Carcass (Matt 24:28; Luke 17:37)
The Householder's Treasure (Matthew 13:52)
The Tree and its Fruits (Matthew 7:16; Luke 6:43-49)
The Dishonest Steward (Luke 16:1-12) Revised!
The Weather Signs (Luke 12:54-56; cf. Matthew 26:2 f.; Mark 8:11-
13) The Defendant (Luke 12:58 f.; Matthew 5:25 f.)
The Unforgiving Official or The Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:23-
35)
The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21)
The Wicked Vinedressers (Matthew 21:33-41; Mark 12:1-9; Luke 20:9-
16)
The Two Builders (Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:47-49)
The Two Debtors (Luke 7:41-43)
The Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44)
The Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45 f.)
WEDDINGS AND FEASTS
LOST AND FOUND, FATHER AND SON
The Sulking Children or The Children in the Marketplace (Matthew
11:16-19; Luke 7:31-35) The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
The Arrogant Guest (Luke 14:7-11) The Prodigal Son or The Loving Father (Luke 15:11-32)
The Bridegroom's Friend (John 3:28) The Two Sons, The Apprentice Son, and The Slave and Son
The Bridegroom's Attendants (Matt.9:15a; Mark 2:18 f.; Luke 5:34) (Matthew 21:28-32; John 5:19-20a; John 3:35)
The Bride's Girlfriends or Ten Virgins (Matt25:1-13) The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)
The Tower Builder and The Warring King (Luke 14:28-32) The Lost Sheep (Matthew 28:12-14; Luke 15:4-7)
The Wedding Feast or The Unwilling Guests (Matt 22:1-10; Luke The Shepherd, the Thief, and the Doorkeeper (John 10:1-18)
14:16-24) The Doctor and the Sick (Matthew 9:12; Mark 2:17; Luke 5: 31 f.)
The Wedding Garment (Matthew 22:11-14) The Great Assize or The Sheep and the Goats (Matthe
The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)