Lessons of Love & Forgiveness from

the Prodigal’s Father

We often study, and should, the Prodigal Son,

and even his Elder Brother.

From these we glean valuable lessons of redemption and

acceptance.

Luke 15

First, get the context:

• Luke 15:1 tells us that “all the tax-gatherers and sinners were coming near to listen to Him.”

“Tax-gatherers” were publicans who collected Roman taxes from

their Jewish brethren for profit.

“Sinners” were the irreligious or non-practicing Jews.

• Luke 15:2 adds “the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’”

From these three parables, we usually emphasize

• The value of that which was lost:

-the one sheep to the 99, vv.4-7;

-the one coin to the 9, vv.8-10.

All of which is good and proper.• Then we typically talk about:

>several lessons that can be learned from the Prodigal, vv.11-19;

>and even from the Elder Brother, vv.25-32

But perhaps what we fail to note (at least to the degree that we should) is:

• The lessons of love and forgiveness taught by the Father, vv.20-24.

• Given the context of vv.1-2, i.e. the attitude and statement of the Pharisees and Scribes, this may well be the central focal point of the parable!

• Obviously, this does not detract from or diminish the other lessons to be learned, but does emphasize what may be a needed lesson for us in the Church today!

Certainly,

• The prodigal’s Father represents both the attitude and actions of the Heavenly Father toward those who sin against Him.

• But, shouldn’t it also teach us regarding the proper attitude we should have toward those who sin against us? cp.Luke 17:3-5; Matt.18:21 > 15:20ff.

• Couldn’t this be an/the intended emphasis of the parable given the audience and their prejudices???

So, what attitudes and actions should we learn and emulate from

the prodigal’s Father? (v.20)

• Seeing a long way off requires:

>wisdom in recognizing the possibility of return, cf. Gen.37:31-35 > 45:26

>diligence in constantly scanning the horizon for the

possibility, Prov.22:6

>unfailing hopeful desire in never closing the door of our minds to the possibility of return.

So, what attitudes and actions should we learn and emulate from

the prodigal’s Father? (v.20)

• Compassion.

>Some 9 times in the Gospels the record specifies that Jesus either felt or was moved with compassion for the sickness, oppression, or sin of someone.

>When addressing the same charge of v.2 in Matt.9:11-13, Jesus stated He desired “compassion, and not sacrifice”! (cp.Lk.10:29ff)

So, what attitudes and actions should we learn and emulate from

the prodigal’s Father? (v.20)

• Enthusiasm- the father ran to the son.

>For some of us older folks, we only run when absolutely necessary.

>This father, ran because of the jubilant expectation of a realized dream! cf. Acts 8:30

>His lost son had returned just as he had been undoubtedly hoping

and praying. Therefore, his joyful excitement could not be hindered by age or malady.

So, what attitudes and actions should we learn and emulate from

the prodigal’s Father? (v.20)

• Embraced.

>We embrace (hug) those we love, are close to, and genuinely glad to

see.

>Imagine the emotional release of the moment as this father again

embraced his son who had been lost and was now found!

>This is the response God has toward us, and we should manifest toward the penitent!

So, what attitudes and actions should we learn and emulate from

the prodigal’s Father? (v.20)

• Kissed.

>Literally, this translates as “kissed him again and again”.

>Kissing is the most intimate and expressive form we employ to show our love and affection for others. cf. Rom.16:16

>Love is the essence of God, and the godly, cf. 1Cor.13:13; 1John 4:7-

11. It is the proper response to repentance, 2Cor.2:4-11.

What then should be our attitude toward the wayward who returns?

• Look for their return with eager anticipation.

• Allow compassion and forgiveness to dominate and suppress your desire for reparations.

• Enthusiastically embrace them manifesting your genuine love.

• Accept and restore them, vv.22-24!