Connect Luke 15:24 to the theme of redemption in Ephesians 2:1-5. Revisiting the Parable Moment Luke 15:24: “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” What the Father Declares • Dead ➔ alive • Lost ➔ found • Grief ➔ celebration The verse is literal: the father’s words describe the son’s physical return, yet they reveal a deeper spiritual reality—true life is fellowship with the father. Ephesians Lays Out the Same Journey • v. 1 “you were dead in your trespasses and sins” • v. 4 “God, who is rich in mercy” • v. 5 “made us alive with Christ … it is by grace you have been saved” Here the Spirit-inspired apostle uses the identical death-to-life pattern Luke recorded from Jesus’ parable. Death Defined • Luke: the prodigal’s separation, starvation, and shame show death’s symptoms. • Ephesians: spiritual death is bondage to “the ruler of the power of the air” and being “children of wrath.” Both passages insist death is real, not metaphorical; it is separation from God. Grace in Action Notice the identical sequence: 1. Undeserving rebel 2. Initiating love of the father/God 3. Full restoration to life 4. Overflowing joy Cross-references • Romans 5:8—God loved us “while we were still sinners.” • Colossians 2:13—“He made you alive with Him.” The Celebration of Redemption • Luke: robe, ring, feast. • Ephesians: seated “in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (v. 6). Literal gifts differ, but both speak of honor, intimacy, and shared joy. Living the Reality Today Because we were truly dead and truly made alive: • Walk in gratitude, not guilt (Colossians 3:15). • Extend the Father’s welcome to the still-wandering (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). • Celebrate salvation like the household in Luke 15—worship marked by joy (Psalm 30:11-12). |
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