Parenting The Prodigal

b. Now remember who this father really represents in the parable – It’s God! Who

would dare cast guilt on the Lord for the way He deals with His children?

c. The fact that the younger son represents humans (all sinners) & the father is God

we know that a child can do wrong despite having the PERFECT father!

2. Consider the case of Israel’s spiritual problems – Even though God raised them with

perfection the majority still insisted on rebelling against Him! (Hosea 11:1-4, 7-8)

a. Answer this: What more could God have done or said that He hadn’t already?

b. God’s instructions are perfect, his discipline always appropriate & perfectly timed, &

example is perfect… He makes no mistakes! How many of his children err?

3. Sometimes upon considering an unfaithful child a parent has guilt because they know

they raised them from infants with the wrong perspective: (Deut 11:18-19; 32:46)

a. Parents never need to underestimate the power their own sin can have on their

child’s faithfulness later in life – Like David… He must have regretted the very

day he looked at Bathsheba! Saw his own actions repeated in his children!

b. Illustration: “So Walk A Little Plainer Daddy” and “Watching You”

c. Often when parents talk about the unfaithfulness of their children they will admit to

having a luke-warm approach to serving God when their children were young

d. As long as you have the opportunity try to “redeem the time” through your example

and continued instruction… You can still teach you children! (Col 4:5)

4. But the reality is sometimes children wind up rejecting the Lord even though you honestly

strive to leave them with a strong spiritual foundation! (Prov 22:6)

a. Some parents blame themselves & beat themselves up with guilt over the situation

~ They lose happiness, health, and even hold back in their service to God!

b. Ezekiel made it clear that a righteous father can have an unrighteous son or an

unrighteous father may have a righteous son – It’s the child’s choice! He also

emphasizes the father doesn’t bear the guilt of the son’s choice (Ez 18:19-20)

5. Too many parents of prodigal children feel like their love demands that they prevent their

children from facing the consequences of their actions (Prov 6:1-5)

a. Illustration: Parents at school – “My child would never do that, he’s an angel!”

– No, your children is not an angel he’s a rebellious kid who needs beat!

b. Here the father not only allowed his son to go, but also didn’t try to rescue him from

the consequences  Having to face the consequences helped bring him back

c. Solomon told his son that if he gets into a mess work hard & deliver yourself!

B. Make it possible if your child does reject the Lord to return!

1. Consider some ways the father made the prodigal son’s return possible:

a. Notice the son’s attitude when reality sunk in (Lk 15:16-19): That humble mindset

& thought process didn’t automatically occur but had to be instilled through

years of teaching and example… Without this he may never have gone home!

b. The father hoped for his return (likely prayed daily) & when he saw his son he went