Impossible DIY Project
Preacher: The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk
Scripture: Luke 15:1-3,11b-32
The parable of the prodigal son is often remembered for the younger brother’s wild living and dramatic return, but Jesus told it for the older brother. The one who never left. The one who stayed close, did everything right, and still found himself standing outside the celebration.
We live in a culture that prizes self-sufficiency, and it shows up in our faith. We try to be spiritual DIYers, fixing ourselves, managing our relationship with God, earning a sense of worth. But the truth is, we’re all on the same train: whether we’ve run away or stayed close and tried to earn it, we’re still trying to do it ourselves.
Jesus’ story confronts this tendency with grace. Both brothers want to dictate the terms of their relationship with the father. But the father won’t have it. He doesn’t want hired servants or self-made saints. He wants children. And he will run down the road or leave the party if that’s what it takes to bring us home.
The only way into the celebration is grace. Not effort. Not résumé. Just grace. The invitation is open. The music is playing. And the question is: Will we come in and join the joy?
Reflection Questions
Where are you trying to earn your place with God instead of receiving it as a gift?
What does the older brother’s story reveal about your own spiritual assumptions?
How do you respond to God’s grace when it’s given freely to someone you think hasn’t earned it?
In what ways have you confused nearness to church with closeness to God?
What would it look like to let go of self-righteousness and enter into joy today?
