Awakening a Generation to Their Purpose & Identity in Christ

There’s a story many of us have heard since childhood — The Parable of the Lost Son found in Luke 15:11–31. But the more I sit with it, the more convinced I am that it shouldn’t be called The Lost Son at all.

It’s really the story of Two Lost Sons — and One Loving Father.

This parable is the final piece of a trilogy Jesus tells about lost things being restored: first a sheep, then a coin, and finally, sons. And in each of them, heaven erupts with joy when even one sinner repents. But this last story digs deeper than the others — because this time, what’s lost isn’t just misplaced or helpless. It’s two sons, who both have free will and choices.

And the Father loves them both — the rebellious and the religious.

The Nature of Sin: Rebellion and Pride

The younger son’s sin is easy to spot. His very request for his inheritance was shocking — like saying, “I want what You have, but not You.” He wastes everything on reckless living, chasing fulfillment apart from his Father. And like many of us who have tried life our own way — he hits rock bottom and finally “comes to himself” (v.17). He remembers who he is and where he belongs.

But Jesus doesn’t stop there.

The older son is just as lost — though he never left home. His sin is hidden beneath pride, resentment, and entitlement. He refuses to join the celebration. He obeys outwardly, but his heart is distant. To the religious leaders listening that day, Jesus was saying clearly:

You can be in the Father’s house and still far from His heart.

Both brothers needed grace. One needed forgiveness for his rebellion. The other needed healing for his pride. And the Father, full of mercy, goes out to both.

PRAY — Learning the Patience of the Father

In the first two parables of Luke 15, someone goes out in search. The shepherd chases the sheep, the woman turns her house upside down for the coin. But this time, the Father is found waiting on the porch when He see's His youngest son at a distance, and He begins to run toward him and readily embraces him.

Why? Because sheep can’t find their way back, and a coin can't move on its own, but people have free will. We can’t drag someone into repentance. We can pray, we can love, we can wait with expectation, but they must choose for themselves.

So as we intercede for the lost, whether far in rebellion or near in pride, we learn to carry both compassion and patience. We learn to wait like the Father waits, and we also pursue when the Lord leads.

Ask yourself this:

Have I truly positioned my heart like the Father—watchful, ready to run toward the hurting with open arms? Or have I unknowingly slipped into the posture of the older brother—standing back, arms crossed, waiting for someone to prove they deserve grace?

In the same way, how can we as the church intentionally cultivate an atmosphere that reflects the Father’s heart? What would it look like for us to respond to repentance with celebration rather than hesitation—restoration rather than judgment?

Prayer Points for The Lost Sons

For the Rebellious (Like the Younger Son):

• Father, just as You waited with compassion, give us patience as we intercede for the lost. Let them feel the pull of Your love (Philippians 1:6).

• Awaken them to the emptiness of their independence. Let them “come to themselves” (Luke 15:17) and remember the goodness of Your house.

  
  

For the Religious and Unrepentant (Like the Older Son):

• Father, just as You went out to plead with the older brother (Luke 15:28), pursue those trapped in pride or performance. Let kindness lead them to repentance (Romans 2:4).

  
  

For Our Hearts as We Wait and Pray:

• Lord, teach us to wait like You wait — not with frustration, but with faith.

• Help us know that while they still seem a long way off, You already see them (Luke 15:20).

• Give us endurance to continue to intercede for them and stand in the gap until the celebration begins.

  
  

A generation is awakening, both in the streets and in the pews. Some will come home from addiction and brokenness. Others will come home from religion and self-reliance.

May we be ready to run like the Father, not to interrogate, but to embrace. Not to lecture, but to restore. Not to tolerate, but to celebrate.

The robe is ready. The ring is waiting. The feast is being prepared.

Let’s pray them home!