Coming Home – Part 4

July 10, 2025

Broadcast

                         Coming Home - Part 4
                             Luke 15:20-23
                              07/10/2025


        20   ``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.
        21   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.'
        22   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.
        23   And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let
             us eat and celebrate.' '' (ESV)

        In this week's study we are reading the parable of the
   Prodigal Son.  We've come to the point in the story where the
   young man, who had wasted his father's money with worthless
   things, came to his senses.  He returned to his Father, repentant
   and willing to simple be a servant.

        The Law of God, which shows us our sin, leads to the Gospel,
   which shows us our Savior.  Jesus continued:
        ``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.'  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.' ''


        Our heavenly Father longs and waits for our return to Him.
   Even before the young man finished confessing his sin, even
   before begging to be allowed the most menial job in the Father's
   household, the Father restored him in his position as son of the
   family.  The forgiveness is complete, given out of love and not
   our works.

        This is the Gospel, that Jesus Christ died on the cross and
   rose from the dead so that you and I can be restored fully to the
   household of faith.

        May our Lord grant that, as we are condemned by the Law, we
   know that we are redeemed and saved by the Gospel.  Amen.