Third Sunday of Lent: Micah 7:18-20; Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

Lent

As the season of Lent continues, Jesus masterfully tells the story about the reckless and lavish love of the Father in Luke 15. Frederick Buechner says if we want to truly hear the stories of the Bible, we must hear them as stories about ourselves. The invitation is to imagine ourselves in this story as it perfectly captures the personal experience of God that is available to us.

Respond:

  • Like the sons in the parable, each of us has a story. What is the narrative you find yourself rehearsing and repeating on loop?

  • Reflect on a time where you “came to your senses.” Give thanks to God and for all those around you that were able to help you identify things and walk alongside you.

  • Whose story do you trust? Do you trust the story you’ve rehearsed your whole life? The story that others say about you? Or do you trust the one that the Father says about you?

  • The artist illustrates a Ukrainian mother having her feet washed by Jesus, another image shows a Russian soldier receiving the same love, she adds: “I don’t get to decide who is worthy or ready to sit on that stool.” Take some time to ask God about how he feels about the people you deem unworthy to sit on the stool. In what ways is the Spirit calling us to greater reckless love?

2022Jonathanpastor josh, sermon, sundays, lent