The Lost Son (2)

Luke 15:11–32 KJV 1900

11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. 25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. 28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: 30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. 31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. 32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

Sermon Abstract: This message from Luke 15:11–32 captures the heart of the gospel through the parable of the prodigal son, revealing both the depths of rebellion and the heights of redemptive grace. Jesus tells of a younger son who demands his inheritance, squanders it in a far country, and finds himself broken and alone—yet still remembered by a loving father. The father’s compassion, demonstrated in his running embrace and full restoration of the son, reflects the heart of God toward every sinner who repents. Meanwhile, the bitterness of the older brother reminds us of the danger of self-righteousness and the need to rejoice over redemption. This sermon will challenge listeners to reflect on their spiritual condition and rejoice in the relentless love of a Father who seeks the lost and celebrates their return.

Introduction

Illustration: “The Bus Ride Home”

Years ago, a well-known Christian author shared a story about a young man who had run away from home. After falling out with his family over bad decisions and constant rebellion, he left home in shame, convinced they never wanted to see him again.

But after years of brokenness and regret, he wrote his mother a letter. He said, “I want to come home, but I don’t know if I’m welcome. I’ll be on the Greyhound bus that passes by our house next Friday afternoon. If you and Dad will let me come back, just hang a white cloth on the big oak tree in the front yard. If I don’t see it, I’ll keep riding.”

That Friday came. The young man boarded the bus, nervous and uncertain. As the bus approached his neighborhood, his heart pounded with fear. Would they forgive him? Would they receive him?

He couldn't bear to look, so he asked the elderly man next to him, “Sir, can you look out the window for me? There’s a big oak tree a little ways up the road on the right. If there’s a white cloth on it, that means I can go home.”

The old man pressed his face to the glass, then suddenly tapped the young man’s shoulder and said with tears in his eyes,

“Son… there’s not just one cloth. That tree is covered with them—every branch, every limb, the whole yard is full of white flags. Somebody out there doesn’t just want you to come home… they’ve been waiting on you.”

When we arrive at Luke 15, we are stepping into a sacred moment in Jesus’ ministry. But before Jesus ever tells the story of the prodigal son, we are given the reason why He told it in the first place.

“Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” — Luke 15:1–2, KJV

Jesus is surrounded by two groups of people—those who were lost but leaning in (the sinners and tax collectors), and those who were religious but resentful (the Pharisees and scribes). The religious elite couldn’t understand why Jesus would share meals, moments, or mercy with those they deemed unworthy. But instead of confronting their arrogance head-on, Jesus tells three parables—each one peeling back the layers of God’s heart for the lost.

First, He tells the story of a lost sheep—one out of one hundred—that wandered away, and how the shepherd left the ninety-nine to search until it was found.

Then, He shares about a lost coin—one out of ten—that slipped away into the shadows of a house, and how a woman lit a lamp and swept the floor until she recovered what was hers.

But now, Jesus tells of a lost son—one out of two—who leaves home by his own rebellion and ruins his life in a far country. But when he returns, his father doesn't slam the door in his face—he runs to meet him.

Don’t miss it: the sheep was lost outside, the coin was lost inside, but the son was lost in relationship. And through these stories, Jesus makes it plain: Heaven is not indifferent to the lost. Heaven seeks, heaven saves, and heaven shouts when just one sinner repents.

And here’s the truth: some of us are like the sheep—careless and drifting. Some of us are like the coin—buried, silent, and forgotten. And some of us are like the son—broken by our choices, longing to come home but not sure we’ll be received.

But this chapter reminds us that we don’t serve a God who waits with arms folded—we serve a God who runs with arms wide open.

I. Gratefully Receive (Luke 15:20-21)

A. Receive with Compassion (Luke 15:20)

Luke 15:20 KJV 1900

20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

The son finally comes to himself—not because he remembered how much fun he used to have at the house, but because he remembered the faithfulness of his father. And when he decides to return, he doesn’t come back with swagger—he comes back with surrender. He doesn’t come rehearsing excuses—he comes repenting. But before he can even finish his speech, the father runs to him. That’s the picture of grace in motion.

This father does something undignified for his culture—he runs. In the ancient Near East, patriarchs didn’t run. Running was for children and servants. But this father throws aside protocol and propriety, because when love sees repentance, it moves quickly.

The father saw the son “a great way off”—which means he had been watching. He wasn’t busy with business. He wasn’t distracted with the other son. He had his eyes on the road and his heart open for reconciliation.

The father didn’t wait on an apology—he ran toward repentance. That’s what God does for us!When He sees your brokenness, He doesn’t cross His arms—He opens His arms.

The son was expecting punishment, but the father came running with pardon! That’s not just love—that’s lavish, unrestrained, unrelenting grace!

The son didn’t get a lecture. He got a hug. Before he could even say, “I’m sorry,” the father had already embraced him. That’s the nature of God’s grace—it doesn’t wait for paperwork, it moves at the speed of love.

In Jewish custom, a wayward son returning home could be met with judgment, stoning, or scorn. But this father says with his actions: “I don’t need to hear your story—I see your heart.”

He kissed the boy while he still smelled like swine. That’s how grace works—it gets close before it cleans you up!

God doesn’t wait until you’re clean—He meets you while you’re covered in the consequence of your sin.

B. Response of Confession

The Son Responds with Confession

“Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” — Luke 15:21

The son speaks from the right heart. He doesn’t bargain. He doesn’t shift blame. He calls it what it is—sin against heaven and against his father. And he doesn’t ask for position—he comes in humility.

But what’s powerful is this: he doesn’t even get to finish his prepared speech. The father cuts him off in verse 22 to start the party. Because when repentance is real, God responds immediately.

God doesn’t need long explanations. He needs honest hearts.

He recognizes his rebellion.

He repents with sincerity.

He releases all entitlement.

Many have made mistakes and wandered away. But the Father still sees you, still wants you, and is running in your direction.

Don’t let shame keep you in the pigpen, come home.

Grace is already moving. Come home! And heaven is ready to rejoice.

The Father didn’t meet him with a finger of accusation—but with arms of affirmation. That’s the gospel! That’s the God we serve! And if He gladly received the son—He’ll gladly receive you!

II. Graciously Restore (Luke 15:22–24)

The son returns hoping to be treated like a servant, but the father doesn't put him on probation—he restores him to his position. He doesn't say, “Work your way back into my favor.” He says, “Bring the robe. Bring the ring. Bring the sandals. And start the celebration!”

This ain’t temporary grace—it’s total restoration! This ain’t halfway love—it’s full reinstatement!

When God restores, He does it completely, publicly, and joyfully.

A. Restored Fully (Luke 15:22)

1. The Robe Covers His Past

Luke 15:22 KJV 1900

22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

“Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him...” — Luke 15:22a “He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness...” — Isaiah 61:10

The robe wasn’t ordinary—it was the best robe—most likely the father’s own. He didn’t wait until the son cleaned himself up. He covered him while he still looked like where he had been. That’s how grace operates—it covers what guilt exposed.

The robe was not a reward—it was a reinstatement. It said, “You still belong here.”

The robe covers his filth.

The robe confirms his identity.

The robe communicates his acceptance.

2. The Ring Confirms His Authority

“…and put a ring on his hand…” — Luke 15:22b

“And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand…” — Genesis 41:42

The ring symbolized family authority. It had the family seal—meaning the son had the power to act on the father's behalf again. He wasn’t just forgiven—he was trusted again. That’s how God works: He doesn’t just clean us—He commissions us.

God doesn't just welcome you—He empowers you! He gives you kingdom authority, even after your failure!

God restores broken people to places of purpose and power.

The ring restores his authority.

The ring represents sonship.

The ring releases him for purpose.

3. The Sandals Communicate His Freedom

“…and shoes on his feet…” — Luke 15:22c

“How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace...” — Romans 10:15

In biblical times, servants went barefoot—but sons wore shoes. This gift says, “You’re not a servant—you’re a son, free and favored.” He’s not crawling back in chains—he’s walking back in grace.

The shoes mean you’re not returning to bondage—you’re stepping into a new beginning.

The sandals symbolize freedom.

The sandals separate him from slavery.

The sandals send him forward in faith.

B. Return to Festivities (Luke 15:23)

Luke 15:23 KJV 1900

23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

“...bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry...” — Luke 15:23 “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies...” — Psalm 23:5

The father doesn’t just forgive him privately—he celebrates him publicly. This wasn’t a snack—this was the fatted calf, reserved for rare, joyful occasions. In other words: “Get the best we’ve got—because what I lost, I now have back!”

Heaven doesn’t hold grudges—it throws parties. Grace doesn’t just welcome—it rejoices.

The feast affirms the restoration.

The feast announces the resurrection.

The feast awakens the house to joy.

You may have messed up. You may feel far from God. But if you come back, God will cover you, confirm you, commission you, and celebrate you. You won’t get a lecture—you’ll get a robe, a ring, and a table.

He didn’t bring him back to break him down—He brought him back to build him up! That’s not just restoration—that’s resurrection! That’s the gospel!

III. Gladly Rejoice (Luke 15:25-32)

The younger son is inside receiving grace. The father is inside hosting joy. But the elder son is outside—angry, bitter, and offended by mercy. Instead of celebration, he chooses criticism. Instead of joy, he chooses judgment. And just like that, Jesus holds a mirror up to the Pharisees—and many in the church.

The scandal in the text is not the prodigal—it’s the one who stayed and still missed the point!

This final movement is a call to maturity. It reminds us that if we're truly seeking the lost, we must not just welcome their return—we must rejoice over their restoration.

A. Resented Invitation (Luke 15:28)

Luke 15:28 KJV 1900

28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

The elder son heard music, saw movement, and immediately felt mistrust. He doesn’t ask, “Who came home?” He asks, “What’s going on?” His heart is exposed—not with words, but by his refusal to enter the house. That’s how entitlement talks.

He didn’t want grace—he wanted exclusivity. The issue isn’t that his brother was forgiven. It’s that he thought forgiveness should be earned—and his brother didn’t deserve it.

Jealousy of grace reveals spiritual immaturity and self-righteousness.

B. Repeated Invitation (Luke 15:32)

Luke 15:32 KJV 1900

32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

The House Rejoices Over the Return

“It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.” — Luke 15:32 “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness...” — Psalm 107:8

The father ends with a theological statement: “We had to rejoice.” He doesn’t say “we felt like it.” He says “It was meet”—it was necessary. Because when the dead come to life, when the lost are found, when grace shows up—praise is the only appropriate response.

Real churches don’t just tolerate grace—they throw parties when God saves.

Grace must be celebrated.

Salvation must be highlighted.

Restoration must be publicly praised.

Don’t stay outside the celebration because grace offends your pride. If heaven is rejoicing, and the Father is rejoicing—what’s keeping you from shouting too?

Let us be a church that doesn’t just seek the lost, but celebrates when they’re found—with music, with dancing, and with voices lifted in praise to the God who still runs to meet the broken and restores both the prodigal and the prideful.

Years ago, a young man in Atlanta found himself caught up in the streets. Raised in a loving Christian home, he had once been active in the youth choir, faithful in Sunday School, and even baptized at 13. But by 19, he had drifted far from God—caught up in gangs, fast money, and a lifestyle that led him further into darkness. One night, he was arrested after a drug sting. Sitting in a jail cell, ashamed and broken, he remembered his father’s voice from years ago: “Son, you can always come home.”

When he was finally released, the enemy told him he was too dirty to go back. But something inside told him to try. As he walked up the cracked sidewalk of the house he hadn’t visited in two years, he wondered if his parents would even open the door. But before he could knock, the front door swung wide—and there stood his father, already weeping, already smiling. He didn’t say, “Where you been?” He didn’t ask, “What did you do?” He just said, “We’ve been waiting on you.”

That boy said later in his testimony, “I thought I was going back to judgment—but I walked into joy. I didn’t find anger—I found arms. I didn’t get condemnation—I got a celebration. My father didn’t just let me come home—he ran to meet me. That’s when I realized… God was waiting on me.”

Final Celebration and Call

My brothers and sisters, that’s the heart of Luke 15. That’s the sound of grace. That’s the love of the Father.

So if you’re the one who wandered—come home. If you’re the one who’s watching others be restored—rejoice. And if you’ve been the one working, but never worshipping—remember the Father’s heart still beats for you too.

Let us be a church where grace runs, restoration rules, and rejoicing resounds—because the lost are still being found, and God is still throwing parties.

Hymn #233 – “I’ve Wandered Far Away from God (Lord, I’m Coming Home)”

“I’ve wandered far away from God, Now I’m coming home; The paths of sin too long I’ve trod, Lord, I’m coming home.”