The Unity of the Father’s House

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32 (CSB) - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Title: The Unity of the Father’s House

Theme: Unity in the Family of God

Introduction

Opening Illustration:

A young boy once asked his father, “Dad, how big is God?”

The father thought for a moment and then pointed to an airplane high in the sky.

“How big is that airplane?” he asked.

The boy squinted and said, “It’s very small.”

The father then took him to the airport.

Standing next to a jumbo jet, the father asked, “Now, how big is the airplane?”

The boy’s eyes widened. “It’s huge!”

The father smiled and said, “That’s how it is with God.

The closer you get to Him, the bigger He becomes.”

Transition:

Today, on Father’s Day, we reflect on the role of fathers and the unity within the family.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son not only teaches us about fatherhood but also about the unity and love that should characterize our church family.

Let’s dive into this story and see how it can guide us toward unity in our congregation, especially during times of transition, like searching for a new pastor.

I. The Compassionate Father

Luke 15:20–24 (CSB)

So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’

“But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.

• Text:

“So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.”

• Historical Context:

In the cultural context of Jesus’ time, fathers were often seen as authoritative figures.

The father’s actions in this parable were countercultural; running to meet his son and embracing him publicly was a display of profound compassion and love, breaking societal norms.

• Key Original Language Word:

• Compassion “was filled with compassion” (Greek: “σπλαγχνίζομαι” - splagchnizomai): This word denotes a deep, visceral feeling of sympathy and mercy.

It is more than just a feeling; it implies a strong, heartfelt emotion that moves one to action.

• Illustration:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw many stories of healthcare workers running to help those in need, despite the risks to their own health.

This selfless compassion is similar to the father’s reaction in the parable.

His love moves him to action, just as the healthcare workers’ compassion moved them to care for the sick.

• Key Points:

1. Unconditional Love: The father’s love for his son is unconditional. Despite the son’s mistakes (and we’ll dig a bit deeper on this in our next section), the father embraces him warmly.

2. Forgiveness: The father doesn’t wait for an apology; his heart is ready to forgive.

3. Restoration: The father restores his son to his place in the family, symbolizing acceptance and unity.

• Application:

• For Fathers: Emulate this compassionate love and readiness to forgive.

Your role is to be a source of unity and strength in your family.

• For Everyone: In our church family, we should be quick to forgive and eager to embrace one another, promoting unity.

II. The Journey of the Prodigal

Luke 15:11–19 CSB

He also said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets to them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing. Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He longed to eat his fill from the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one would give him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.” ’

• Text:

“Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.” … “I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.’”

• Historical Context:

Asking for an inheritance while the father was still alive was a significant insult in the ancient Near Eastern culture.

It implied a wish for the father’s death and was a severe breach of familial respect.

• Key Original Language Word:

• Inheritance “of … estate” (Greek: “ουσια” - ousia): This word refers to wealth or property, but in this context, it represents a portion of the family’s livelihood and legacy.

• Illustration:

Recently, many families have faced tough decisions regarding their finances and properties due to economic hardships.

Imagine a young adult demanding their share of an inheritance to pursue a risky venture, only to realize later the real valuables are family and their home.

This mirrors the prodigal son’s journey and his eventual realization of where true value lies.

I think the prodigal son learned that lesson the hard way!

• Humor:

— Knowing where our values lie is like knowing where we hid the remote

—essential, but often forgotten until we really need it!

Seriously, I value family.

Like many, I miss my dad today.

We’d laugh—-My dad and I agreed on this familiar statement, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.”

He was a great teacher—taught me how to play pool, fish, drive, operate power tools, and how to love.

Home and property has some value, but it find it hard to put a price on a loving family.

• Key Points:

1. Realization and Repentance: The prodigal son realizes his mistake and decides to return home.

2. Humility: His return is marked by humility, acknowledging his wrongs.

3. Desire for Reconciliation: His journey back signifies a desire for reconciliation and unity.

• Application:

• For Fathers: Be open to reconciliation.

Encourage your children and family members to come together, especially after conflicts.

• For Everyone: In times of church transitions, like during a pastor search, approach the process with humility and a desire for reconciliation and unity.

III. The Challenge of the Older Brother

Luke 15:25–32 CSB

“Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he summoned one of the servants, questioning what these things meant. ‘Your brother is here,’ he told him, ‘and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ “Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a goat so that I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’ “ ‘Son,’ he said to him, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ”

• Text:

“Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him.”

• Historical Context:

The older brother’s reaction reflects common human emotions of envy and resentment.

In the culture of the time, the eldest son had specific rights and privileges, and his feelings of injustice highlight the tension between law and grace.

• Key Original Language Word:

• Angry (Greek: “οργιζω” - orgizo): This word indicates intense emotional frustration and indignation, often leading to a desire for retribution.

• Illustration:

Think about a workplace where a long-time employee feels overlooked when a new hire gets promoted quickly.

The feelings of the older brother in the parable are similar.

He feels his loyalty and hard work are being ignored.

This is a common struggle in any community, be it a workplace or a church.

• Humor:

• “The older brother might have been thinking, ‘Why didn’t I get a party? I guess I should have run off and spent all my money too!’”

• “Sibling rivalry: It’s all fun and games until someone gets a bigger party than you!”

• Key Points:

1. Resentment: The older brother’s resentment highlights the challenge of maintaining unity.

2. Acceptance: The father’s plea is for the older brother to accept and celebrate his brother’s return.

3. Celebration of Unity: The father’s desire is for the family to be united and joyful.

• Application:

• For Fathers: Work towards eliminating resentment and fostering an environment where every family member feels valued.

• For Everyone: In our church, we must support one another and work together harmoniously, especially in times of change.

Let’s celebrate each other’s successes and come together in unity.

Conclusion

Closing Illustration:

There was once a farmer who had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole he carried across his neck.

One pot was cracked, while the other was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.

The cracked pot, however, arrived only half full.

This went on daily, with the farmer delivering only one and a half pots of water.

The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, but the cracked pot felt ashamed.

One day, the cracked pot apologized to the farmer for its flaw.

The farmer replied, “Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side?

I have always known about your crack, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path.

Every day as we walk back, you water them.

For two years, I have picked these beautiful flowers to decorate the table.

Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.”

Tie Back to Sermon:

In our church family, each one of us has unique roles and contributions.

Just like the father in the parable, who loves both sons, we must recognize and value each member of our congregation.

As we seek a new pastor and move forward,

let’s embrace unity, forgiveness, and love, knowing that

together we create a beautiful and thriving family of God.

Humor:

• “So remember, even if you feel like a cracked pot, God can still use you to water some flowers!”

• “You might be cracked, but at least you’re not boring. God loves using the cracked pots—more character!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of the compassionate father in the parable.

Help us to love unconditionally, forgive readily, and seek unity in our families and church.

Guide us in our search for a new pastor, and let Your Spirit lead us in unity and love.

Amen.