Key Scripture: Luke 15:11-32
Introduction
• Briefly introduce the parable of the Prodigal Son, describing how the younger son's decision to leave led to loss but ultimately resulted in reconciliation.
• Explain the focus of today's message: how we, as a church and as individuals, can receive "prodigals"—those who have strayed—with love, acceptance, and forgiveness.
• Acknowledge that we all, at times, may be the prodigal, the older brother, or the father in this story.
I. Lead with Love
Key Verse: Luke 15:20 – "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."
A. The father saw his son from afar, moved with compassion, and took the first step of love.
1 John 4:19 – "We love because he first loved us."
Romans 5:8 – "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
John 13:34-35 – "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
B. Practical Application
1. Love means letting people know they matter to you before they prove themselves.
2. Be approachable. Create an environment where people feel safe to return, regardless of what they've done.
3. Convey love through acts of kindness, patience, and understanding.
II. Respond with Acceptance
Key Verse: Luke 15:22-24 – "‘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.’"
A. The father embraced his son unconditionally and restored him to his rightful place in the family.
Romans 15:7 – "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
Galatians 3:28 – "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Matthew 11:28 – "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
B. Practical Application
1. Avoid judgment. We don’t know the depth of people's journeys or struggles.
2. Show a spirit of reconciliation by bringing people back into community, not just with words but actions.
3. Create moments of celebration for those who "return," highlighting their journey back home and the love they can always find there.
III. Extend Forgiveness Freely
Key Verse: Luke 15:32 – "But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."
A. The father extended forgiveness effortlessly, but it required overcoming bitterness for the older brother. Forgiveness reflects the heart of God.
Mark 11:25 – "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Colossians 3:13 – "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Micah 7:18-19 – "You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea."
B. Practical Application
1. Pray for a forgiving heart. Sometimes our pain or sense of fairness can block forgiveness. Only God can soften hearts.
2. Forgiveness doesn’t ignore sin but acknowledges it while still saying, "You are loved."
3. Avoid clinging to past hurts when someone truly repents. A clean slate is an act of grace.
IV. Supporting the "Older Brothers"
Key Verse: Luke 15:31 – "‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.’"
A. Sometimes those who stayed feel overlooked or undervalued. Like the older brother, they may silently struggle with bitterness when others are welcomed back.
B. The father reminds the older brother of his constant presence and blessings.
Psalm 73:26 – "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Hebrews 13:5 – "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Romans 8:17 – "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
Call to Action
1. Personal Reflection – Ask the congregation to evaluate their hearts. Are there individuals they’ve struggled to love, accept, or forgive? Pray for the strength to change.
2. Be the Father – Let's commit as a church to take on the father's role in this parable. Reach out to those who feel lost. Welcome them home.
3. Celebrate Grace Together – Encourage the congregation to celebrate God’s love and forgiveness in their own lives and extend that joy to others.
Closing
• Reinforce the message that everyone, at some point, has been a prodigal. Yet God loves us unconditionally, accepts us fully, and forgives us freely.
• Encourage the congregation to imitate the heart of the Father, welcoming others home with open arms.
• Close in prayer, asking for God’s guidance to love, accept, and forgive as He does.
