Luke 15
And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

“Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 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.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

Parable of the Prodigal Son — Pastor Alex Early
Luke 15
Stand Alone Sermon
August 29, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Notes
1. The snide slur/accusation by the Pharisees toward Jesus was that “this man receives tax collectors and sinners.” To “receive” literally means "to warmly welcome.” What does it practically look like to “warmly welcome” those who don’t think or believe in the same way that you do as a follower of Christ?
2. Table fellowship in the first century (and in many honor/shame cultures around the world today) was a statement of friendship. For Jesus to dine with the unclean was a statement that could not be misunderstood. He loved people as they were without condition. How do you maintain friendships with people who do not follow Christ?
3. The emphasis is the same in all three parables in Luke 15 – someone has lost something of incredible value and will do anything to find that which was “lost.” In what ways can FCC adopt this posture towards those who don’t know Jesus?
4. The Father of the prodigal felt “compassion” for his son on his worst day. If you’re comfortable with sharing some of your story, perhaps sharing about how the compassion of God has changed your heart.
5. The older brother in the story represents the morally upright and religiously faithful. Yet, his heart was just as far from the Father as the younger son. How ought the gospel of grace humble the proud and self-sufficient?