Prodigal Son WK 4

A Gracious Father

Luke 15:20–24 NRSV

20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

An unexpected welcome.

—> Have you ever recieved an unexpected welcome?

—> When I think unexpected welcome, 2 times come to mind.

—> coming home from college

—> forgot my tie Steve O

Both of those situations ended up much better than they started out.

And I think that is true as well in our parable today.

Read the text...

the unexpected—>

vrs. 20 - he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him

—> the father ran, not something an elder prominent Jewish man would do.

—> the kiss is the same kiss Esau gave Jacob and King David gave his son Absolom, it was a kiss of complete and total forgiveness.

vrs 21 - Last week we talked about DTR - The son wants to determine the relationship with the father he makes the apology and is ready to launch into his rehearsed speech to his father but dad cuts him off.

vrs 22 - Not only does he cut him off but the father preempts his request to be less than. The father tells the servants to bring 3 things...

robe - Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him. This is literally, “the first robe”; that is, the one of highest quality. Concerning quickly (not in KJV), A. B. Bruce writes: “Tachu, quick! a most probable reading (Aleph BL), and a most natural exclamation; obliterate the traces of the wretched past as soon as possible; off with these rags!”

ring - This was the sign and symbol of the fact that he was once more in the family. But it indicated more than that. Probably this was the father’s official signet ring, with which he stamped the soft sealing wax on letters and goods he sent. Giving the son the ring may have meant that he was thereby authorized to do business again in his father’s name. If so, nothing could show more dramatically the fact that the son was now fully a member of the family. Here is a picture of the complete, unlimited forgiveness which God gives to every penitent sinner.

sandals - The young man was not to sit around the house, where no shoes were worn, but to go to work. One of the surest ways to save new converts from backsliding is to set them to work doing something useful. Work is one of God’s best gifts to man. Without it, almost all men would be ruined. Work has high therapeutic value—physically, mentally, morally, emotionally, and spiritually.

vrs 23

Luke 15:23 NRSV

23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate;

Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament Chapter 15

Both here, and wherever else this word occurs, whether in the Old or New Testament, it implies nothing of levity, but a solid, serious, religious, heartfelt joy: indeed this was the ordinary meaning of the Word two hundred years ago, when our translation was made.

Luke 15:24 NRSV

24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.