Ask Me, “Why?”

“Don’t eat like a pig!†This expression usually means, “Don’t eat everything in front of you†or “Don’t make a mess‗because pigs can be pretty messy and indiscriminate eaters. In fact, along with grain, many farmers will feed pigs something called “pig slop.†Pig slop often contains mixed together leftover produce and dairy from local restaurants or other kitchens. This mash-up of food doesn’t sound very appetizing, does it?

Jesus once told a story that involved pig food. It’s called the Parable of the Lost (or Prodigal) Son. In it, a son decides he doesn’t want to live with his dad anymore and asks for his share of his dad’s money—even though his dad is still alive.

When the son gets his money and moves out, he spends it on foolish things, and, before he knows it, all the money is gone. Pretty soon, his situation gets so desperate he doesn’t even have access to pig food. As he tries to figure out what to do next, he remembers his dad’s servants eat better than pig food, so he goes back home with a plan to ask if he can be considered his father’s servant instead of his son.

But here’s the amazing part. His dad, filled with love, is excited to see him. Instead of making his son eat what the servants eat, the dad makes a feast to celebrate his lost son’s return.

Jesus told this story to show that God is the same way when sinners come home by repenting from their sins and turning to Jesus for forgiveness. The Lord loves us, even when we’re sinners (Romans 5:8). Therefore, He rejoices when one lost sinner is found (Luke 15:10). • Melissa Yeagle

• How does the father in the parable show us what God is like?

• To learn more about what it means to repent from sin and turn to Jesus, check out our “Know Jesus” page.

I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Proverbs 15:18; 29:11; Hebrews 4:14-16; James 1:19