The Prodigal Son: A Journey of Redemption

INTRODUCTION

Overview of Jesus parable of the Lost and Found with the lamb and coin and now the Son

The son’s departure was deliberate

Central Idea No matter how far we stray, with sincere repentance God’s unending grace calls us back to Himself.

Four Legs of the Journey

The Departure

The Discovery

The Realization

The Return

1. The Departure

Luke 15:11–13 ESV

And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.

The prodigal son’s departure symbolizes our own decisions to pursue worldly desires over God’s will.

The son was unable to “manifest his authentic self” in a manner he wanted to.

His journey away from his father mirrors the spiritual alienation we experience when we turn from God.

Romans 3:23 ESV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Isaiah 53:6 ESV

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

2. The Discovery

The initial euphoria of being untethered from being accountability to someone else’s authority

Luke 15:14–16 ESV

And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

3. The Realization

Luke 15:17 ESV

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!

Consequences of Our Choices

He is now felling the emptiness and despair that result from living apart from God.

His hardships reflect the natural consequences of sin.

Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, a charge you more than you can afford.

4. The Return

Any true return to Christ must begin with a sincere assessment of our heart and a willingness to embrace repentance as the first step towards experiencing God’s redemption

Luke 15:18–19 ESV

I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” ’

Luke 15:20 ESV

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

Be aware of the Pharisaical mindset towards those who return

Luke 15:30–32 ESV

But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ ”

CONCLUSION

Separation through Sin: The prodigal son’s departure mirrors our own turning away from God.

The Call to Repentance: A transformative moment arises when we recognize our need for God and choose to return.

Redemption and Restoration: God’s overwhelming grace restores us, welcoming us back into His family with joy.