Parable 13 Prodigal Son Part 4

Parable 13

Prodigal Son Part 4

Luke 15:21-24

Coming Home

Getting Away.

We do it for different reasons.

Some people never travel.

Because of pets or money.

But those that do are almost always sure of one thing.

There is no place like home. (Home sweet home).

It’s familiar – comfortable

When you’re far from home.

It can be exhausting

Physically

Emotionally

And even spiritually

Home Sick

The son had wandered far from home.

Wasted his inheritance

Found himself in a pig pen.

Came to his Senses

Verse 20 says this:

“So,he got up and went to his father.”

What he found wasn’t judgment.

“Filled with love and compassion” (gospel)

Not judgment but joy.

This parable could be called the compassionate father

The Son’s Confession

Honest Repentance

Luke 15:21 (NLT) — 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.’

Luke 15:21 NLT

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.’

He doesn’t make excuses

Doesn’t blame circumstances

Doesn’t blame someone else.

He simply says “I have sinned”

True repentance always begins with honesty before God.

Humility and Brokenness

He adds, “I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”

Do you ever feel unworthy?

That is the place God blesses the greatest.

Psalm 51:17 (LSB) — 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

Psalm 51:17 LSB

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

A contrite heart literally means crushed or broken to pieces.

This is the sacrifices that God loves.

“I’m doing you a favor by being here.”

You’re lucky I showed up.

“You will not despise.”

Our sacrifice of a broken contrite heart is a sweet aroma to our Lord. 

The Father Response

The Best Robe

Luke 15:22 (NLT) — 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.

Luke 15:22 NLT

“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.

The son expected rejection.

He had his whole speech planned.

Luke 15:18–19 (NLT) — 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” ’

Luke 15:18–19 NLT

I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” ’

The Father interrupts.

QUICK!!!

The robe covers the filth of the pigpen.

What a beautiful picture…

The blood of Jesus covers our sin.

Do you know the old hymn…

There is a Fountain Filled with Blood

There is a fountain filled with blood

  Drawn from Immanuel’s veins;

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,

  Lose all their guilty stains…

 Lose all their guilty stains…

The robe restored his purity.

The ring

The is a symbol of restored position.

No a servant but a son.

A symbol of belonging.

Covenant Membership.

The sandals

Servants went barefoot; sons wore sandals.

When God restores us…

He doesn’t just clean us up

He gives us a new walk.

A new mission.  

A new direction.

A new purpose

Here am I send me.

Let the Party Begin.

“Bring the fatted calf”

Even heaven rejoices.

No one is too far gone for God’s grace.

The son’s rebellion didn’t cancel the father’s love.

God’s grace restores what sin destroys.

Purity, position, and purpose are all renewed.

The joy of heaven is found in restoration.

There is a battle in the heavenly realm for your soul.

Every restoration is a victory in heaven.

A defeat for Satan.

If you wandered, you can come home. (Home sweet Home)

If you’re walking with Lord – Rejoice when others return.

Don’t condemn.