Return: The Father

Luke 15:20–32 NLT

20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, 26 and he asked one of the servants what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’ 28 “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, 29 but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’ 31 “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’ ”

1. The Father's constant concern

Sub-point 1.1: The Father watches and waits expectantly (Luke 15:20)

When Judah was born, my asked, “How are y’all doing?”

I said, “We are great, happy, but a little tired. We don’t get much sleep.”

She responded, “Now, you can sleep because they need you. Eventually, you won’t sleep because you worry. A parent’s job is never done.”

Imagine what the father went through

Our Heavenly Father, does not slumber nor sleep

Psalm 121 “1 I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Sub-point 1.2: The Father runs toward his returning child (Luke 15:20)

We cannot help ourselves

Ephesians 2:1–5 “1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

When God saved me, He made me alive in order that I may recognize His Grace

Sub-point 1.3: The Father embraces the prodigal son without hesitation (Luke 15:20)

You don’t need to look good for God to love you

God will embrace you right where you are at

The Father is not looking at your appearance

It is time to return home

Some need to realize that they are in the House

Malachi 4:5–6 “5 “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.””

2. The Father's Unconditional Love

A Father wants his children to be free, free to love.

That freedom includes the possibility of their leaving home, going to a “distant country,” and losing everything.

The Father’s heart knows all the pain that will come from that choice, but his love makes him powerless to prevent it.

A Father desires that those who stay at home enjoy his presence and experience his affection.

Sub-point 2.1: The Father's welcoming embrace (v. 20)

Sub-point 2.2: The Father's lavish celebration (v. 22-23)

Sub-point 2.3: The Father's overflowing love (v. 24)

Observation:

The father's love for his prodigal son was not based on his son's actions, but on his identity as his son.

Interpretation:

In the same way, God's love for us is not based on what we do, but on who we are as His children.

Application:

We must remember that no matter how far we may have strayed, God's love for us remains constant and unchanging.

3. The Father throws better parties

Sub-point 3.1: The Father celebrates the return of the lost child

Lk 15:7 (NLT)

7In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

We don’t know how to party until we learn to party with our Heavenly Father

Sub-point 3.2: The Father wants you to enjoy all He has

Luke 15:31 “31 “ ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.”

Sub-point 3.3: The Father orders a grand feast to honor the lost child

Luke 15:32 “32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ””

4. The Father's Invitation

Observation:

The Father's response to the elder son's complaints

1. The Father reminded the elder son of his love and inheritance (v. 31)

2. The Father explained his reasons for celebrating (v. 32)

3. The Father urged the elder son to join in the celebration (v. 32)

4. The ball is on your court

Interpretation:

The Father's perspective on forgiveness

1. The Father's desire for both sons to be reconciled

2. The Father's reminder of the value of the relationship over material possessions

3. The Father's invitation to experience true joy and celebration

Application:

Responding to God's invitation for forgiveness and reconciliation

1. Reflecting on our own attitude towards forgiveness and repentance

2. Surrendering our own pride and self-righteousness to God

3. Choosing to participate in God's celebration of love and forgiveness

4. Will you join the celebration?

The elder son has never left the house. The father has shared everything with him. He has made him part of his daily life, keeping nothing from him. “All I have is yours,” he says. There could be no clearer statement of the father’s unlimited love for his elder son. Thus the father’s unreserved, unlimited love is offered wholly and equally to both his sons.

I have to let go of all comparison, all rivalry and competition, and surrender to the Father’s love.

Outside of the light, my younger brother seems to be more loved by the Father than I; in fact, outside of the light, I cannot even see him as my own brother.

outside of God’s house, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, lovers and friends become rivals and even enemies; each perpetually plagued by jealousies, suspicions, and resentments.