The Heart Of The Father

“The Heart of the Father” Luke 15:11-32

We can learn much from the parable of the ‘prodigal son.’ We learn from the ‘prodigal,’ the elder brother, and about the heart of Father God.

1. Things we know about the heart of Father God

• "I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what

was sick; (Ezek 34:16)

• "For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” (Matthew 18:11)

2. What we learn about the Father

• When the younger son decided to leave, the father let him leave.

• There was an openness in the father’s heart toward his son, for when the son decided to return (v.17-18) he knew he could.

• The father was ‘looking’ for his son to return – (“But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him…”)

• Compassion and acceptance were the father’s first response – (“…and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”)

• The son was restored (the robe, ring, sandals, and celebration), with no reservations.

• The father rejoiced because his son “was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found” (v.32)

3. What we learn about the son (the ‘prodigal’)

• He took all he could and turned his back on his father.

• He lived a ‘prodigal’ life (of dissipation, wastefulness, reckless & riotous).

• When the ‘party’ was over, he found a place to live in the distant country.

• He ‘came to himself’ (v.17-18) and decided on a pathway of confession, repentance and return.

4. What we learn about the elder brother (v.25-32)

• When he heard about the return of his little brother, he was angry and wouldn’t join the celebration.

• His father pleaded with him, but his attitude of anger and resentment toward his brother and his father’s mercy ruled his heart (v.29-30).

5. The difference between the two sons…

• One was self-righteous and the other a sinner.

• The elder son was devoted to serving his father and devoted to his law (‘ these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time - v.29), but…

• …He was totally out of touch with his father’s heart, shown by his inability to rejoice and see the value of his younger brother’s return.

Do you relate more to the younger son or the elder brother?

We may relate to both the younger and older, but most important is to relate to the heart of the father.

Remember…Jesus’ parable was in response to the Pharisee and scribes’ complaining about His openness and ministry to ‘sinners.’

• Do you see more of the father’s heart in your life, or more of the Pharisaical attitude?

• What is your prevailing attitude toward ‘sinners?’

• What about the possibility of ‘prodigal’ children or friends?

• "For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. (Mat 18:11)