The prodigal family

Topics: prodigal family, prodigal son, prodigal's brother, prodigal's father

I. The prodigal son

"The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.' So he divided his wealth between them. Luke 15:12.
"Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished. "So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. "And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. Luke 15:14-16
"But when he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! 'I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men."' Luke 15:17-19.

"Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. "And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. "And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.' "But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. Luke 15:25-28.
"But he answered and said to his father, 'Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him. Luke 15:29-30.
But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone" Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:40-42

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Luke 15:20b
"But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.' And they began to celebrate. Luke 15:22-24.
"And he said to him, 'Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. 'But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.' Luke 15:31-32

Sermon by Pastor Dane Nissen, June 23^rd., 2024

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Discuss in your Life Group the importance of being welcoming to others into the family of God.

Getting Started:

Looking at the parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son, what insights can we learn and apply to reach out to those considered "lost"?

Discussing Truths:

In the parable of the prodigal son, what does the father's reaction reveal about God's mercy and forgiveness?
How do you identify with the prodigal son, the older brother, or the father in your spiritual journey?
How can you help create an atmosphere of celebration when someone turns to God in your Oikos?

Now What? Application: