Luke 15:11-22

Jesus continued: There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, Father, give me my share of the estate. So he divided his property between them. 13 Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 When he came to his senses, he said, How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men. 20So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. 22But the father said to his servants, Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

In Luke 15, Jesus is the artist and He is drawing a picture of God the Father for a very skeptical audience: the Pharisees. It’s against the black canvas of doubt that Jesus paints a picture of what the Heavenly Father looks like.

The Memory of the Father’s Goodness Called Him:

v.20

1. The father did not go out to seek the son.

2. The prodigal’s return was prompted by the mercy of his loving father.

The Marvelous Grace of His Father Won Him: ?v.20

1. Grace superseded justice .

2. Grace is not just for others .

3. Grace wins the heart .

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The Meal Sealed His Acceptance: v. 22

1. Kneeling? Yes . Dancing? No !

2. Sackcloth? Yes . A new robe? No !

3. Barefoot? Yes . Shoes? No !

4. Tears? Yes . Merriment? No !

5. Wearing sackcloth and ashes? Yes . A ring? No !

6. Bread and water? Yes . A fatted calf? No !