We live in a world obsessed with image. We scroll past filtered smiles, curated vacations, and success stories that scream, “I’m doing fine!” But deep down, many of us feel alone—from others, from ourselves, and yes, from God. That’s where Jesus meets us. In Luke 15, He tells a story we think we know—a rebellious son who runs away, wastes everything, and comes crawling back home. But this isn’t just a story about a reckless son. It’s a mirror. A mirror that exposes our hunger for independence, our addiction to control, and our quiet resentment when grace doesn’t play by our rules. It’s a story for those who’ve wandered. It’s a story for those who stayed home and still feel lost. It’s a story that dares to suggest:

United Methodist Temple,

June 29, 2025

Rev. Dr. Steve Gedon