Luke 15: 20, 25-32 Grace Killers
20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 25 “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ 28 “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ 31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’”
Have you ever thought about those in whom Jesus spoke harsh to, and condemned. Was it the sinner? No, it was always those who knew better, but refused to give grace to others. Maybe these people could give grace because they didn’t have grace. Many times it’s easier to give grace to a stranger than to someone we know. However, Jesus Christ gives grace to everyone who will receive it.
How come some are so cold, sour and hardened? Because they don’t receive Grace daily.
Look at verse 20 again, “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
Before you can say anything, do anything, or perceive anything the Father takes off running toward you. Let Him grab, hold you, and carry you!
Listen how many of Paul’s letters end. Romans 16:20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
I Corinthians 16:22-23 NIV If anyone does not love the Lord—a curse be on him. Come, O Lord! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
II Corinthians 13: 14 NLT May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Galatians 6:18 NLT Dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Over and over again Paul ends every letter he writes with grace, maybe because he understood grace, because he was given great grace.
In Luke 15:25-28 this older brother becomes angry because of his father’s grace. 1. The joy and laughter. 2. The killing of the fatted calf. 3. Everyone’s joyful actions. All this, sickened the older brother because of his lack of grace.
When you don’t walk in something Spiritual (Grace) you sure can’t give that something (Grace) to others.
What is grace? Grace is God willingly giving you favor that you don’t deserve. ( Some say, “But I do deserve it.” No, you were just a sinner saved by grace.)
Luke 15:28b-32 Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ 31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’”
Look at verse 29 the older son say’s, “I have never transgressed your commandments at any time.” ( Watch out for that bolt of lighten.)
Sometimes small churches stay small because of their lack of grace and love. ( Our churches mission statement is to be a people of Love, Prayer and Grace!)
John Newton’s final months on this earth were difficult. However, upon losing most of his senses he would say, “My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour.”
3 truths about grace killers:
Lack of grace- makes a person angry. Especially when he or she has a right.
Lack of grace- brings on a judgmental attitude. You have the right- maybe someone just attends church once a week.
Lack of grace- brings little love, or limited love, everything has terms- don’t perform- your out of here!
Listen to the father’s response: Luke 15:32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’”
Did the younger son deserve good treatment? No. Did he blow it? Yes. Will he mess up again? Yes. Will the father forgive again? Yes.
I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Testimony: When I was young in the Lord, I made many bad decisions. Sometimes I might not come to church twice a month. I was asked to do several things and I didn’t do it. However, this body of believers (this church) just kept on loving me.
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
