Sermon Central
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The Parable Of The Father's Heart
Contributed by Colin Coombs on Oct 22, 2005 (message contributor)
Summary: The heart of God is revealed in this wonderful parable, as H e reaches out to those who have gone astray.
THE PARABLE OF THE FATHER’S HEART
1. THE FATHER’S WEALTH
WEALTH IN HIS FAMILY - Two Sons
WEALTH IN HIS POSSESSIONS - Servants and property
11 ¶ Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons.
12 The 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.
14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.
15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.
16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no-one gave him anything.
2. THE FATHER’S WORTH
KIND TO HIS SERVANTS - Plenty to eat
KIND TO HIS SONS - Good memories
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!
18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’
20 So he got up and went to his father.
3. THE FATHER’S WATCHFULNESS
WATCHFUL OF HIS OWN HEART - No Anger - Plenty of concern - Filled with compassion
WATCHFUL FOR HIS SON - Longing for his return home
"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.’
4. THE FATHER’S WILLINGNESS
WILLING TO RESTORE
WILLING TO WELCOME
22 "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.
23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.
24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
25 "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.
26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on.
27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
5. THE FATHER’S WISDOM
WISE IN HIS HANDLING OF THE POUTING SON
WISE IN SEEKING TO RECONCILE
28 "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.
29 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.
30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
31 "‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.
32 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.’"
