The Prodigal Son – Grace That Changes Us

Introduction: The Power of Grace

Good evening, everyone! I want to start tonight by asking you a question: Have you ever been forgiven for something big? Maybe you broke something valuable at home, hurt a friend with your words, or made a bad decision and expected severe consequences—but instead, you received forgiveness. How did that feel? Were you relieved? Maybe even a little confused?

Let me tell you a story from my own life. When I was in college, my roommates decided to toilet paper the home of the president of the university. You might be thinking, "Whoa, I didn’t know you had that in you." Well, I didn’t. I decided to be the lookout. You see, campus security made a pass by the house every five minutes. I was the one who timed it and used a radio to tell my friends when to go. It felt safe being away from the actual toilet papering. But then, I saw a light, got spooked, and took off running. As it so happens, I ran right into security—with my radio still on. We all got caught, and I got called into the president’s office. Instead of punishment, he forgave me. That moment stuck with me because it showed me that grace isn’t just about getting away with something—it’s about receiving something you didn’t deserve.

Tonight, we’re going to talk about God’s grace—not just as forgiveness but as something that should change us. We’re looking at the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32. This is a story about rebellion, regret, and restoration. But most importantly, it’s a story about how grace should transform us when we truly understand it.

I. The Younger Son’s Rebellion (Luke 15:11-16)

Let’s start with verses 11-16:

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.”

Key Idea: Sin takes us farther than we ever wanted to go.

The younger son asks for his inheritance while his father is still alive. In that culture, this was like saying, “Dad, I wish you were dead.” It was one of the most offensive things a son could do.

He takes his money, runs off, and wastes everything in reckless living. He’s looking for happiness and fulfillment in all the wrong places.

Then, reality hits—a famine comes, and he has nothing. He finds himself feeding pigs (which for a Jewish audience was the lowest of the low), longing to eat their food.

Application:

Maybe we haven’t run away like the younger son, but we often try to find fulfillment apart from God. We chase approval, success, entertainment, or relationships to feel happy. But, just like the Prodigal Son, those things never truly satisfy.

II. The Turning Point: Coming to His Senses (Luke 15:17-20)

Now, let’s read verses 17-20:

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.”

Key Idea: Grace begins when we realize our need for the Father.

The son hits rock bottom and finally realizes what he lost.

He plans to go home, but not as a son—he thinks he can only return as a servant.

He still underestimates his father’s love. He assumes he has to earn his way back into the family.

Application:

Do we ever feel like we have to earn God’s forgiveness? Do we feel like we’re too far gone? The younger son thought he’d be lucky just to work as a servant, but he was about to experience undeserved grace. In fact, he was at risk of facing a Kezzazah** ceremony**—a practice where the community would publicly shame and cut off someone who had dishonored their people by losing their inheritance among Gentiles. This was done by breaking a clay pot at their feet, signifying their broken relationship with the village and declaring that they were no longer welcome. before that could happen, his father ran to him—not only to welcome him back but to protect him from rejection. Some of you feel like this clay pot, like you are broken beyond repair. Like you could never be fully restored because of choice you made in your past. The same is true for us: we may feel broken and unworthy, but God runs to us with love, shielding us from condemnation and restoring us as His children.

III. The Father’s Grace (Luke 15:20-24)

Now, here’s where the story shifts dramatically. Let’s read verses 20-24:

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Key Idea: God runs toward us with open arms.

The father sees him from a distance—which means he was looking for him. He runs to him—which was shocking! In that culture, men did not run; it was seen as undignified. But the father didn’t care—his love for his son was greater than his pride. Instead of punishing him, he restores him. The robe, ring, and sandals all symbolize the father’s complete restoration of his son. The robe represents dignity and honor, signifying that the son is fully welcomed back into the family. The ring is a symbol of authority and belonging, showing that he is reinstated as a son, not a servant. The sandals represent freedom, as slaves typically went barefoot, but sons wore shoes—marking his status as a restored family member rather than a hired worker.

Application:

God’s grace is not just about forgiveness—it’s about restoration and transformation. He doesn’t just tolerate us when we come back—He welcomes us with joy and calls us into a new way of living. Grace doesn’t leave us where we were; it changes our hearts, our desires, and our purpose. The prodigal son didn’t return to his old ways—he was embraced, restored, and set on a new path. Likewise, God’s grace is an invitation to be renewed and to walk in His love daily.

Conclusion: Grace is an Invitation to a New Life

As we close, let’s reflect: Where do you see yourself in this story? Are you…

Still running from the Father?

Trying to earn His love like a servant?

Ready to embrace His grace and let it change you?

Call to Action:

If you need to return to God, He is waiting with open arms.

If you’ve received His grace, live like it! Let His love transform you.

Prayer Response:

Let’s take a moment to pray. If you need to come back to God, or if you’re struggling to let His grace change you, take this time to talk to Him. The Father is running toward you—don’t miss His embrace.