THE PROOF OF EXTRAVAGANT GRACE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Luke 15:11–24
"And he said, A certain man had two sons:
And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry."
Supporting Texts: Ephesians 2:4–9, Romans 5:6–8, 1 Timothy 1:12–15, Isaiah 1:18, John 8:10–11
INTRODUCTION:
Grace is the unearned, undeserved, and unmerited favour of God. When it is described as extravagant, it refers to the overwhelming, boundless, and radical nature of God’s mercy that reaches the worst of sinners and restores them to sonship. The story of the prodigal son shows grace at its richest—where rebellion was met with love, shame was covered with honour, and judgment was replaced with celebration.
Extravagant grace is not logical—it doesn’t give us what we deserve. Instead, it welcomes us with open arms, robes us in righteousness, and treats us like royalty even after failure. The heart of the Father in Luke 15 reveals God’s nature: He is slow to anger, abounding in love, and quick to forgive.
This teaching will help us identify the real proofs of extravagant grace in the life of a person and how we can walk in and reflect that grace to others.
1. EXTRAVAGANT GRACE INITIATES RESTORATION BEFORE CONDEMNATION
Grace reaches out before judgment takes its place.
a) Grace sees from afar.
The father saw the son coming before he could explain himself.
b) Grace runs to meet the broken.
The father didn’t wait for his son to grovel but ran to welcome him.
c) Grace embraces the filthy.
He hugged his son while he was still in rags and dirt.
d) Grace silences shame.
He interrupted his son’s speech and offered restoration.
Biblical Example: Jesus did not condemn the woman caught in adultery but said, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:10–11).
2. EXTRAVAGANT GRACE PROVIDES WHAT IS NOT DESERVED
Grace replaces disgrace with honour.
a) A robe for a rebel.
The father clothed the son with the best robe, not rags of shame.
b) A ring for a runaway.
He restored his authority as a son, not a servant.
c) Shoes for a slave.
He gave him new footing and dignity.
d) A feast for a failure.
The father celebrated instead of punishing.
Biblical Example: Mephibosheth, though crippled and forgotten, was brought to the king’s table (2 Samuel 9:1–13).
3. EXTRAVAGANT GRACE ALWAYS WINS THE HEART BACK TO GOD
It is the kindness of God that leads to repentance.
a) Grace breaks rebellion.
The son “came to himself” when he remembered his father’s goodness.
b) Grace fosters humility.
He returned ready to serve, not demand.
c) Grace provokes transformation.
The prodigal became a testimony of mercy.
d) Grace rekindles relationship.
He was restored not just to the house, but to the heart of his father.
Biblical Example: Paul, the chief of sinners, became the chief apostle by grace (1 Timothy 1:12–15).
4. EXTRAVAGANT GRACE OFFENDS THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS
Grace is scandalous to those who think they’ve earned their place.
a) The elder brother was angry.
He couldn’t accept that his wayward brother was being celebrated.
b) Grace exposes pride.
The elder son’s complaint revealed a transactional relationship with the father.
c) Grace reveals the heart.
Some people prefer justice over mercy.
d) Grace is a test of love.
Can we rejoice in the restoration of others?
Biblical Example: The Pharisees grumbled when Jesus received sinners (Luke 15:1–2).
5. EXTRAVAGANT GRACE CALLS US TO SHOW GRACE TO OTHERS
What we receive, we are expected to give.
a) Grace must be extended.
Forgiven people must forgive.
b) Grace must be demonstrated.
We show grace through mercy, patience, and restoration.
c) Grace should not be abused.
It is not a licence to sin, but a call to holiness.
d) Grace transforms communities.
A church that operates in grace reflects God’s kingdom.
Biblical Example: Joseph forgave and elevated his brothers who had betrayed him (Genesis 50:19–21).
CONCLUSION:
Extravagant grace is the proof of God’s radical love for humanity. It restores the broken, clothes the unworthy, silences the voice of shame, and celebrates repentance. No matter how far you’ve fallen, God’s grace can reach you and restore all that was lost.
As recipients of such grace, we must not only walk in it but also extend it to others. The proof of extravagant grace is not only in what we receive but also in how we give—freely, generously, and without condition.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for Your extravagant grace that restored my life.
2. Lord, help me never to forget the mercy I have received.
3. Let Your grace provoke true repentance and transformation in me.
4. Empower me to extend grace to others without judgment.
5. Let my life reflect the beauty of Your mercy and kindness.
