A Long Way Home Text: Luke 15:1-3
Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying:
When going on vacation ‘I’ can’t wait to get to my destination. Upon arrival usually I begin to wish I could move there. I will even look at real estate; however, by the 5th day I’m ready to come home and sleep in my bed.
In Luke 15, Jesus shares three stories- the first is about 100 sheep; One sheep gets lost, does the owner look for the 1 are stay with the 99?
Verse 7, Jesus say’s, I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
Second, He shares with the Pharisees and scribes (these haters) about 10 silver coins; however she looses 1 coin- does she look for the one lost coin or just spend the 9 coins? ( Jesus is interested in you.)
Luke 15: 9-10 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Notice in both stories, as the shepherd, and then the woman made the right decision to search- the angels of God rejoice over ‘one’ lost sinner!
Listen, it doesn’t matter if you are 1 mile away from home (Christ), or 5 miles or 100.
Most of you know the last story (about the prodigal). The thought came to, “what if this young lad had traveled even farther, stayed longer, partied until his mind was wasted away- would it affect the Father’s longings and love?
Luke 15: 20-24 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still 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 to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here 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.
1. Father’s waiting.
2. He doesn’t give up.
3. The Father restores.
4. The Father blesses.
5. The Father loves.
Come home! Prayer.
