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The Parable of The Loving Father - Encouragement and Forgiveness

Explore the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, focusing on the unconditional love and forgiveness of the Father. Learn about the dividing, grieving, longing, forgiving, and appealing love showcased in this powerful story.

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The Parable of The Loving Father - Encouragement and Forgiveness

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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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