I was quite excited because this is the same church that Mark Hall, lead singer of Casting Crowns, is the youth pastor! Since this was a youth event, he was there and it was all I could do to remind myself that he just a normal person too!
Anyway, Jefferson spoke about the parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15:11-32. He really brought out a new perspective that I hadn't considered with this story before. The first thing Jefferson challenged us to think about was who was the audience. The story was really designed to speak to the Pharisee's, the church leaders at that time. Obviously the church leaders felt threatened by Jesus, so much so that they eventually had him killed. They were so wrapped up in traditions and laws that they missed Jesus. They second thing that Jefferson challenged us to think about was how we relate to the story- what character are we. Normally, we would see ourselves as the Prodigal Son coming home. However, Jefferson suggested that most of us are probably the other son who has been working faithfully for his father. Basically, the son is saying that it is not fair that the return of the wayward son is being celebrated. He even complains that he never even had a goat, but the other son is getting a calf.
How often is this true? How often do we miss the real Jesus because we are wrapped up in religion? Whether we admit it or not have you ever thought that its not fair that others are out doing all of these "fun" things while we spend all our lives trying to live for God? Have you ever asked God for a goat when His best is more then we could even imagine? I know this is true for me. Am I filled with compassion and grace when I see that someone who was lost is found? Or do I think it is unfair? Have I missed the point?
Its food for thought on this rainy Sunday. Just wanted to share.
Check out one of my favorite of Jefferson's video's above.
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