‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’ “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’
Luke 15:27-30
As followers of Jesus, our identity is not defined by achievements, influence, or anything of worldly value. Above all, we are sons and daughters of God, graced with a unique purpose. We are entrusted with gifts and responsibilities, and how we respond to these reveals the condition of our hearts. In our series, Wasted Grace, Pastor Luis Guerrero uses the parable of the Prodigal Son to guide us in understanding what it means to live a life that recognizes God's grace and embraces the purpose He has given each of us.
What is the context?
- This famous parable is shared by Jesus amongst many differing community members— sinners, tax collectors, Pharisees and scribes.
If we want to live a life on purpose…
Know Who You Are
- The older son in the parable complains that despite years of hard work, he’s received no reward. We can’t fully embrace our identity as sons and daughters of God if we see life as a series of achievements meant to earn approval.
- When we constantly seek validation from others, we adopt a "slave" mentality—living in insecurity instead of the confidence that comes from knowing we are loved and accepted by God. This mindset leads to toil, not freedom. True freedom comes when we realize that our worth isn’t based on performance.
- If we know we are God’s children but don’t feel like we truly belong in His kingdom, we open the door to doubt and rejection of our true identity.
- When we embrace our identity as beloved children of God, free from offense and entitlement, we can experience the joy of His presence and live in the fullness of His grace.
We have to…
Live With Intention
- The older son became frustrated because he lost sight of the inheritance waiting for him and focused only on the difficulties of his current responsibilities. This bitterness caused him to go through the motions of life, rather than living with purpose.
- We are called to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us. We can either waste what’s in front of us or choose to see purpose in everything.
- How we steward what God gives us matters deeply. When we view our responsibilities as something God has entrusted to us, we recognize that He is developing us through them. He knows the outcome they will produce—both in our lives and within us.
We have to live with…
A Greater Vision
- It's possible to stay busy and accomplish many things, but still feel empty inside. Activity alone cannot fill the deeper longing in our hearts.
- Without a clear vision and direction from God, we are prone to feel aimless. We lose our sense of purpose and discipline, and can easily become distracted by the demands of life.
- A life that is submitted to God’s will opens the door to true vision—one that brings clarity, joy, and contentment. When we align our hearts with God’s purpose, we find fulfillment not in what we do, but in who He is and what He is doing through us.
Additional Resources:
- Matthew 5:8
- Matthew 25:14-30
- Colossians 3:23-24
- Proverbs 29:18
Dinner Party Questions
- How do you usually find your worth—by what you achieve, what others think, or something deeper?
- What does living with intention look like for you each day? Is it easy or hard to stay focused on your purpose?
- When things don’t go as planned, how can remembering God’s grace help you avoid bitterness or frustration?
