Lost Son(s):

Context:

• Jesus talked about finding lost sheep.
• Jesus talked about finding lost coins.
• Now it’s time to talk about relatives.

Luke 15:11-16 “...And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 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. 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. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything...”

Did the son know what was best for his future?

• When people want what people want, they never can be free.
• When people get what people want, their foolishness they see.

Reckless living (ESV). Loose living (NASB). Foolish living (HCSB). Wild living (NIV). Riotous living (KJV). At what age does a person cease to be reckless?

• Five different translations describe inappropriate behavior and choices.
• Age can sometimes lead to maturity, but it’s not automatic.
• Maturation is a process that takes time.

How did pursuing pleasure work out for the prodigal?

• Proverbs 13:11 “...Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it...”
• Proverbs 20:21 “...An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end...”
• Longing for pig food is not a pleasurable outcome.

Luke 15:17-20 “...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! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants...”’

What motivated his return?

• He still wanted what he wanted.
• He was still looking for a way to meet his basic needs.

Luke 15:20-21 “...And 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. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son...’

What was the father’s initial response to his son’s return?

• He was watching for him.
• He felt compassion, not condemnation.
• He embraced him.

How does God respond to a reckless person coming home?

• He watches for them.
• He feels compassion, not condemnation.
• He embraces them.

Luke 15:22-24 “...But 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. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate...”

What did the father do next?

• He cleaned up the son and started a celebration.

What does God do?

•  Luke 15:7 “...Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance...”

Luke 15:25-30 “...Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 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 was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 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. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!...’

Why did the older son get angry?

• He didn’t have his father’s perspective.
• He looked at life from a selfish viewpoint.
• He, too, wanted what he wanted.

Luke 15:31-32 “...And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’...”

What did the older son miss?

• He missed out on the celebration.
• He missed out on being glad.
• Selfishness prevents healthy joy.

Did both sons have problems?

Don’t we all?