Part 3: The Father and the Younger Son - The Parable of the Prodigal Son
PARABLES OF JESUS
PART 3
Luke 15:11-24
THIS PARABLE EMPHASIZES THE GRACE OF GOD.
“The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them… 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.” Luke 15:12, 20 (NIV)
The younger son did not know how good his father was.
“Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” Romans 2:4 (NIV)
THE FREEDOM THE WORLD OFFERS IS NOT FREEDOM AT ALL.
“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.” Luke 15:13-16 (NIV)
Sin will always take you further than you meant to go and leave you worse off than you thought you could be.
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)
“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.’” Luke 15:17-19 (NIV)
GOD FORGIVES AND RESTORES WHEN WE TURN TO HIM.
“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.” Luke 15:20-24 (NIV)
The love of the Father never runs out.
“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him… And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:9, 16 (NIV)
MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:
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This Week’s Reading Plan and Blog/Podcast:
YouVersion® Bible App Reading Plan:
“Acts of Repentance” (5 Days)
Blog and Podcast: “Come to Your Senses”