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There were several well-known, yet profound parables recorded in the New Testimony of Bible, which were deeply inspiring and touching. In Luke 15, the Lord Jesus shared a story of the lost son, who took the inheritance, lived extravagantly, and eventually exhausted all he had. Sinking into despair with no one to turn to, he endured hardship and shed countless tears while wandering far from home. He was the younger son in the house, originally privileged, finally came to his senses and decided to return to his father’s house. This reunion between father and son is profoundly touching—the story’s climax—without lengthy wording, unleashed a profound meaning behind the reunion between God and His beloved children.
In the same chapter, there are two other parables. One describes a lost coin. Whether lost or found, the coin’s intrinsic value never changes. Yet, finding that single lost coin brings immense joy, especially to the one who desperately searched for it, knowing its value.
Another parable speaks of a shepherd who loses one sheep out of a hundred. Regardless of whether the lost sheep was weak or strong, the shepherd tirelessly searches until he finds it. The sheep, upon return, does not necessarily become stronger or smarter; it may even return weakened or injured. However, the shepherd’s willingness to leave the ninety-nine to find that single sheep reveals something deeper: God’s concern is not based on numbers but on the value and preciousness of each individual soul.
These two parables were about our savior Jesus Christ, talking about how our heavenly Father loves the people in lost on earth. He wants everyone return to Him, regardless of the cost.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)
After sharing these two parables, Jesus continues with the story of the lost son who decides to return home, redirecting his life toward his father’s house. When father and son reunite, the story reaches its emotional peak, however, what described in the story can happen to everyone of us. Urging us to reflect upon our life, what do you feel from it?
Perhaps as you look into the mirror, noticing lines formed over the years, you’re reminded of youthful exuberance and impulsiveness. In such moments, you realize that you, too, have been that lost returning home. When hearing testimonies in church gatherings, you may find yourself moved to tears as you identify with the reunion of the father and son. Each of us, at some point, has wandered like the prodigal—away from peace, clarity, and the true purpose of life. Even disciples like Paul and Peter found their lives completely transformed upon encountering Jesus, seeing clearly their former lost and rootless state.
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13)
“For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:25)
You might find yourself continually wrestling with your old self—even after baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit—still struggling with temper, pride, vanity, conflicts, worries, and unhappiness. The story of the lost son gives you guidance: the son realized his mistakes, sought forgiveness, and consciously chose to abandon unhealthy habits. He left behind harmful relationships and worldly desires, deciding to seek the compassionate embrace and forgiveness of his father.
“if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:21-23)
The gospel Jesus shared reminds us gently yet powerfully that returning home, spiritually, is a quiet and meaningful turning point in our lives. Without realizing, our hearts can become twisted, damaged, our faith weakened, and our sense of purpose blurred. We may drift until we reach our limits, lost and uncertain of our direction. However, as Peter testified, we are not forsaken, we turn around, walk on the way of home, closer and closer to home. Even if our hearts tremble and our spirits thirst, the moment we lift our eyes and see our Heavenly Father, what do we find? Will He turn us away, disappointed or angry? Certainly not! Instead, our Father in Heaven welcomes us with open arms, holding us, the lost, close in His eternal love.
We warmly welcome you to our upcoming Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC). You can also join us for the Spring 2025 ESSC via online streaming.
Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Please find our church location below:
True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org