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The Loving Father

The Loving Father. Lk. 15:11-32. Introduction. We often call this text “The Parable of The Prodigal Son” We often refer to the elder brother One writer said it should be called the Parable of the Loving Father Indeed we do see the great love of the Father in this beautiful parable.

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The Loving Father

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  1. The Loving Father Lk. 15:11-32

  2. Introduction • We often call this text “The Parable of The Prodigal Son” • We often refer to the elder brother • One writer said it should be called the Parable of the Loving Father • Indeed we do see the great love of the Father in this beautiful parable

  3. A Dividing Love- vs. 11-12 • The younger son demanded his part of his father’s estate---the father loving gave it to him • The Lord treats us as sons, not as slaves—Rom. 8:16-17 • He shares with us the vastness of this universe • Js. 1:17

  4. A Grieving Love- v. 13, 20 • The father allowed his son to depart • He could not have done otherwise and treated him as a son • He then grieved the departure

  5. A Grieving Love- v. 13, 20 • If God is our Father, how can he but grieve when we forsake him? • Gen. 6:6

  6. A Longing Love- v. 20 • He prepared for the son’s return • “The fatted calf” • He looked for the return--- “While he was yet afar off, the father saw him”

  7. A Longing Love- v. 20 • “Had compassion” = the Father loves us when we return, even if we smell like a pig! • The eye of love is forever turned toward the wayward---longing to see a sign of repentance

  8. A Longing Love- v. 20 • He recognized him upon his return---even though his son was half starved, ragged, etc. • Heaven is quick to recognize the faces that are turned Godward and to mark the first homeward step • Jn. 14:1-3

  9. A Forgiving Love- vs. 22-24 • The first sight of the son stirred the father’s emotions • He ran to meet him • He forgave him

  10. A Forgiving Love- vs. 22-24 • 4 tokens of forgiveness were given: • Robe of honor • Ring of authority • Shoes of freedom • Feast of joy

  11. A Forgiving Love- vs. 22-24 • “fell on his neck and kissed him” = seal of pardon (verse 20) • The son did complete his confession • Not once did the father rebuke him or mention the son’s sins • The grief of the past was lost in the joy of the present

  12. A Forgiving Love- vs. 22-24 • All former privileges restored • Every time we repent-God forgives us • 2 Pet. 3:9 • Ps 86:5 • 1 Jn. 1:7

  13. An Appealing Love- vs. 25-32 • After running out to meet the younger son—the father “went out” to entreat the older son to come into the house • He promised him great things—fellowship and riches

  14. An Appealing Love- vs. 25-32 • He appealed to his sympathy • The elder son did not want rejoicing in the home—but the father showed him this was the right thing to do

  15. Conclusion • This story offers encouragement to every prodigal—though he may have drifted into the “far country” of sin---pardon and privileges await him upon return

  16. Conclusion • We also find an example for those who stay home—if the Father forgives we must forgive • In every way the son must follow the pattern of the Father • For the alien sinner this is a beautiful story of hope and forgiveness

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