Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
- Luke 15:11-12

Easter is rapidly approaching and with it comes a new series: Welcome Home. We’ll be spending the next four weeks looking at Luke 15 and Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, there’s a way home to the God who loves you.

Jesus’ parable starts with a son making a bold request: “Dad, I wish you would hurry up and die already so I could get my hands on my inheritance.” (That’s our paraphrase)

The average Middle Eastern father back in Jesus’ time would have rewarded such a request with blows, perhaps even an execution. But in the parable the father gives the son what he asked (the money from his inheritance).

The son’s request reeks of disrespect, ingratitude, selfishness. He values money over his father’s well-being. And he shows us what would happen if our own worst nature was unleashed.

Many of us desire something or want to ask for something that would be totally inappropriate. Money. Sex. Fame. Power. Control. We’re held in check by social pressure, the power of our consciences, and (perhaps) by God. But were those checks to give way, a torrent of selfishness, ingratitude and disrespect would flow from us.

What do you think are the consequences of ignoring the ways our worst nature strains at its leash?

Take a moment today to walk with Jesus up into a high place in your interior life. Take a look at your heart and see where your worst nature is straining to break through. Ask Jesus to help you see where you’re already exercising restraint.