THE JESUS EXPERIENCE
Family Devotionals from the Gospel of Luke
March 7, 2010
Luke 15:10

Central Truth:  At the time of Christ, it was customary for Palestinian women to receive 10 silver coins as a wedding gift.  These coins held extreme sentimental value to the woman, in addition to their monetary value.  Just as someone would rejoice at finding the equivalent of 10% of their lost savings, so the angels rejoice when a sinner asks Christ to be Lord and Master of their life.  Each individual person is precious and wanted by God. 

Memory Verse:  In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.  Luke 15:10 (NLT)

Discussion:  How much time do we spend looking for people who do not have a personal relationship with Christ?  When we find them, do we spend time sharing the message of Christ and His plan of salvation with them?  If they come to know Christ, do we disciple them as Christ told us in Matthew 28:20?

Story:  Two siblings, ages 8 and 5, decided to play hide-and-seek.  The game proceeded as usual while the two took turns hiding from one another both inside and outside the house.  After awhile it was the 8 year-olds turn to seek his brother.  After searching for a long time, he began to call for his brother to come out from hiding.  When his brother did not answer, the oldest became worried and told his mother.  Soon the mother, other siblings, the father (who had been called home from work) and the whole neighborhood joined the search for the missing boy.  They looked in the house, out in the farmyard, and all around the neighborhood.  As the sun began to set, the mother decided to return to the house to call the police and seek their assistance.  As she approached the house, she was met in the doorway by the lost son whom everyone had been searching for.  “Where have you been?” asked the mother.  “Mommy, I found the bestest hiding spot.  It’s under your bed surrounded by the storage boxes.  I even took a nap while brother was looking for me,” replied the young boy.  There was great rejoicing, and laughter, when those who were searching for the boy learned he had been found.

Prayer:  Ask a family member to pray that we will become aware of those around us that do not have a personal relationship with Christ.  Pray that we will diligently share Christ’s plan of salvation with them and disciple the new believers.

Prepared by Dale Molden, Missions/Evangelism Pastor