The Prodigal Son's Mother

THE PRODIGAL SON’S MOTHER

Luke 15:11-24

ILLUSTRATION: A woman telephoned a friend and asked how she was feeling, "Terrible, my head’s splitting and my back and legs are killing me...and the house is a mess, and the kids are simply driving me crazy." "Listen, go and lie down, I’ll come over and cook lunch for you, clean up the house, and take care of the children while you get some rest. By the way, how is Sam?" "Sam?" the complaining housewife grasped. "My husband’s name is not Sam." "My heavens. I must have dialed the wrong number. Long pause. Are you still coming over?

INTRODUCTION: A high honor would be a deeper understanding of the maternal task.

I. THE PRODIGAL REALIZED THE HOUSEHOLD WAS PROVIDED FOR (v. 17)

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.--Proverbs 31:13-15

A. He thought of life at home and the provision for the household

B. This reflection on the goodness of his mother and her effect on the household.

II. THE PRODIGAL REMEMBERED WHAT HE HAD BEEN TAUGHT. (v.18,19)

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. --Proverbs 31:26-27

A. Hiring out to a swine producer, finally comes to himself, decides:

1. To go back home to his father.

2. To confess sin. "I HAVE SINNED"

B. He is the eighth of nine persons to say those three difficult words.

1. Pharaoh (Exodus 9:27)

2. Balaam (Numbers 22:34)

3. Achan (Joshua 7:20)

4. Saul (1 Samuel 26:21)

5. David (2 Samuel 12:13)

6. Shimei, son of Gera (2 Samuel 19:18)

7. Job (Job 7:20)

8. Judas (Matthew 27:4)

III. THE PRODIGAL WAS ROBED WITH FINE CLOTHING (v. 22)

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. - Proverbs 31:13

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff -- Proverbs 31:19

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. --Proverbs 31:21-24

A. Robe- Worn by priests, kings and persons of distinction. We get the word Stole as in mink stole.

B. He received not only a robe but a ring showing he was given place in the family--a signet ring showing authority.

C. He was given shoes showing not just needs met, but comfort and luxury.

IV. THE PRODIGAL RECEIVED THE BEST FOOD- v. 23 (Prov. 31:14,15)

A. Custom was that women and men did not eat together as is evident here that the mother is not even mentioned.

B. He received the best that was available in his father’s house

C. The men worked mainly in the fields, while the women were responsible for the home. The stalled or fatted calf was probably fed by the mother.

CONCLUSION: God specializes in accomplishing the divine purpose through imperfections like us.

While mothers are special, they like all men are not perfect, but have a great responsibility.

The business of God is redemption.

Jesus had to remind his idealistic audience that he came to bring sinners, not the righteous, to repentance.