There's No Place Like Home
We often focus on the son who was lost in the parable in Luke 15. However if we change our perspective we will discover that Jesus was telling this story to teach about the Father’s heart towards the groups of people who were listening, the sinners and the religious people (Pharisees and Scribes). Each of us can be found in one of these categories. We can all learn about the Father’s heart. Our message to the world is that Home is where the Father is, and Jesus is the way back home.
Sermon Theme
We often focus on the son who was lost in the parable in Luke 15. However if we change our perspective we will discover that Jesus was telling this story to teach about the Father’s heart towards the groups of people who were listening, the sinners and the religious people (Pharisees and Scribes). Each of us can be found in one of these categories. We can all learn about the Father’s heart. Our message to the world is that Home is where the Father is, and Jesus is the way back home.
Scriptures
Luke 15:11-31
Discussion
Which son have you been? Do you consistently wonder what the Father thinks about your past mistakes, overcome with shame, or do you pride yourself on your performance? His heart for either is for us to experience His embrace.
Have you experienced the grace of His embrace? What would it look like if you lived every moment in his embrace?
Like the robe given to the son in verse 22, we were given a robe. The robe of Christ’s righteousness. We no longer carry the stench of our sin. Have you accepted His approval? Have you really opened your heart to Him?
If you wonder How to experience His love, take some time to ask Him. Every one of us has different experiences, and He knows what has made you close your heart. Ask Him how to open it to Him. He’s a safe Father.
Prayer
Father, we thank you that you are a safe Father and that like the father in this parable, you have accepted us as we have run back to you. Help us to live every day in your embrace as we realize that nothing matters more than your arms. As we continually experience your loving embrace we pray that we will come to the place where no one’s opinion of us matters more than what you have said about us.