A Waiting Father: The Prodigal son, from a father's perspective

Luke 15:24 (ESV)- For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found...

I. INTRODUCTION

Near the end of the month of May, the pastor asked if I would preach the Father’s day message at the 11:00 service. I said, yes. Initially, I did not have any idea of what to preach. A couple of weeks later during a Sunday service, the Spirit impressed upon my mind to preach about the father of the prodigal son from a father’s perspective. This intrigued me. I began to think about this. I never really heard or read a message that reviewed the parable in this way, although there may be many. How would I approach the message? The only approach I could take to this message, was to try and put myself in his place, as a father myself. I understand the parable was speaking about God, the Father and His relationship with sinners and religious people, represented by the two sons. But, I had to look at the parable with a mind set as if this was me, today. How would I act? What would I feel? How would I handle the situation. So, my message is focused on the father. This is not so much to change the parable, but possibly fill in some details that Jesus inferred in the parable about this father and indirectly about our Father, God. As a preacher, I can observe the words of the parable and infer certain insights about the father. Of course, my insights are based on my experiences as a father. I know that Godly father’s will have, or will experience similar situations with your sons or daughters. There are three actions this father did that we can learn from, that will help us be better fathers.

II. First Actions: The father divides his property:

Luke 15:12 -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.

a) his son’s request might have given him pause; he might have stayed up at night wondering why his son was being rebellious and what his son was planning: going to school; starting a business; investing; buying his own property/home.

b) maybe the father pondered Proverbs 20:21-An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.

c) he had to decide on how to dissolve his property if he had to; what would be his sacrifice and inconveniences to him: 5:13 ...gathered all he had…- to transfer the farm assets into cash meant to (1) disrupt the farm and even jeopardize its future existence and (2) sell them at a very reduced price. If land was involved, the buyer did not take possession until after the father’s death.

d) the father knew the character of his son: (rebellious,foolish,selfish), but showed kindness and grace; gave his son the benefit of the doubt; and believed in his son to do the right thing

Lesson: show kindness and grace; give the benefit of the doubt; believe in your child to do the right thing.

From verses 13-20: because of and through his circumstances, the son’s character is further revealed and he comes to himself realizing the depth of his father’s character, i.e., kind, unselfish, gracious, and generous to the servants of the household, and even to those he hired. At seeing himself as a disgrace to his father, he got up went back to his father’s house. The text does not say how far he had to travel or how long it took. He finally makes it home and the father’s character if further revealed.

III. Second Actions: the father’s wait is over

Luke 15:20-23: 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.

The father sees the son while he is still far from the house and even from a distance, the father saw and perceived the condition of his son. The father immediately acted before his son knew that his father saw him. The father had four reactions upon seeing his son: felt compassion (great love/affection for and moved deeply in his inner being), ran to him, embraced him, and kissed him.

a) he hope that his son would return home at some point.

b) upon seeing his son, his worst fears about the welfare and well being of his son disappeared.

c) the father did not exhibit anger, hostility, or disappointment toward his son.

d) his love was stronger than his fears. He had forgiven his son, who had humbly acknowledged his sin, repented, and asked for forgiveness.

vs. 22-24: The father celebrates his son’s return and acknowledges his son’s change of mind, heart, and spirit. ... 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.

Lesson: never lose hope, forgive, restore your trust/confidence, then celebrate

vs. 25-30: the elder son hears the celebration of his brother’s return. The servants tell him of his brother’s return and the extent of the celebration. He brother becomes angry (furious) and didn’t join the feast.

III. Third Action: keeping peace in the family

Luke 15:28-But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him. Luke 15:31- And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.

a) the father might have been waiting for his elder son to attend the feast and celebrate.

b) after learning of his son’s anger, he went to his son and learned why he was so angry and helped avoid trouble.

c) after hearing his son’s reasons for his anger, the father did not disagree with his reasoning.

d) the father consoles his son by reassuring him of his love.

Lesson: love all your children the same even when it appears that one is favored over another; be the peacemaking in the family; stand for what is right.