Valuing what God values

I have read Jesus’ three parables in Luke 15 hundreds of times, but today a thought I’d never had before popped into my head.

We know how the elder son responded to the father’s joy at regaining his son.

But how did the neighbors respond? Were they equally happy? I suppose if they knew the son well and liked him, their joy, if not quite matching the father’s, would still be great.

But what about the shepherd’s neighbors? Or the woman’s neighbors? I find it hard to believe they would really care that much.

Out of politeness, they might say, “Oh, that’s great.” Or “Oh, I’m happy for you.”

But do you really think they would give it a second thought? Not likely.

Why not?

Probably because they wouldn’t attach the same value to the lost sheep or coin that the shepherd or woman did.

The elder son certainly didn’t attach the same value to his brother that their father did.

In the same way, the Pharisees did not attach the same value to the “sinners” and tax collectors that Jesus did. They saw them as worthless, irredeemable.

But Jesus placed the highest value on them. That’s why he actively sought them out. And that’s why he all heaven rejoices when one repents.

The question is, “Do we value people as Jesus does?”

We’re living in a world where we are increasingly devaluing others. And we show it in our actions, words, and attitudes toward them.

I know I’m guilty of that at times.

But Jesus valued them enough to die for them.

Can we value them any less?