This sermon explores God's boundless love, compassion, and joyous celebration when we repent and return to Him, as illustrated in the story of the Prodigal Son.
Good morning, dear friends. I am truly delighted to be here with you today, standing in the presence of our loving God and sharing His Word. Today, we gather in the spirit of unity, love, and a shared hunger for the divine wisdom that only comes from the Holy Scriptures. We are about to immerse ourselves in the enriching waters of Luke 15:11-32, a passage that unfurls the story of the Prodigal Son, a timeless tale of God's boundless love, His compassionate heart, and His inclusive embrace.
Let's read together from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15, verses 11 to 32:
"Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 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. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So 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. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But 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. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of his servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
In the heart of the story, we encounter a father who, despite societal norms and expectations, grants his younger son's request for his share of the inheritance. This is a significant act, as it demonstrates the father's respect for his son's free will. The father could have refused, could have lectured, could have imposed his will. But he didn't. He let his son make his own choices, even if they were destined to lead to pain and regret.
The father's love was not controlling or domineering. It was a love that allowed freedom, even when freedom meant the possibility of failure. This is a powerful image of God's love for us. He doesn't force us to love Him or obey Him. He gives us the freedom to choose, to make our own decisions, even when they lead us away from Him.
This freedom, however, is not without consequence. The younger son, after squandering his wealth, finds himself in dire straits. He is hungry, alone, and desperate. But it is in this place of desperation that he realizes his mistake. He recognizes his need for his father, and he decides to return home.
This is a profound moment of self-realization and repentance. The son acknowledges his sin, his failure, and his need for forgiveness. He doesn't make excuses or try to justify his actions. He simply admits his wrong and expresses his desire to return to his father.
As we continue to reflect on the parable of the Prodigal Son, we find ourselves drawn to the fervor of the Father's compassion ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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