Homeward Bound In My Father's House April 2, 2006 Speaker: Randal Myers

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Luke 15:17-24 - The Welcome Home

• The son expected a welcome full of:
  • disappointment
  • wrath
  • "I told you so"
• Instead, the father welcomes him with tenderness, emotion, and compassion.
• The parable isn't really about a lost son, it's about a loving Father!
  • Jesus is explain God's love for the lost in this parable.

In the Father's House

• We find anxious anticipation.
  • "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him..." - Luke 15:20
  • God anxiously anticipates in hope of a return.
    • But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:8-9
• We see immediate recognition.
  • "...his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son..." - Luke 15:20
  • The father knew his son despite his changed appearance; he looked past all the degradation to his son.
• We see unashamed acceptance.
  • "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." - Luke 15:20
  • The Father wasn't too ashamed to run to his son.
  • Those coming back from the far country aren't expected to have it all together when they first arrive home.
• We see instant forgiveness.
  • "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.'" - Luke 15:21-22
  • God's forgiveness is both immediate and complete.
• We see complete restoration.
  • "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.' - Luke 15:22
  • The son was re-inherited - he got a robe (kept for guests), sandals (which weren't worn by slaves) and a ring (a sign of approval by the Father).
  • He got a full pardon.
    • "...as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." - Psalm 103:12
    • God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. - 2 Corinthians 5:21
• We see unbridled joy.
  • 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. - Luke 15:23-24
  • Just like in the other parables -- when that which was lost is found, a party breaks out.
  • The party was not optional, but a necessity.
    • "'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.' " - Luke 15:32

Conclusion

The Father's love

• "It's a love without end, amen!" - George Strait

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