Preached often from this show the power of being redeemed – bought back and restored

Powerful message about reconciliation and the process we go through to arrive at a place of repentance (the peeling of an onion to get at the heart of the matter)

The joy and the honor that comes with being a child of God! The importance of the clothes, the ring and  sandals! Again, a feast with dancing! Joy in community! 

This time through, I read it in it’s context of the criticism by the Pharisees, and how Jesus responded to them with these parables:  I can imagine just how thrilled the crowds were with his answer, and how much more upset the elites were with his response.  

And that leads us to the heart of all three of these parables!

1. The position that the Pharisees held was that they were the ones to hold the truth and enjoy the benefits of those who were righteous – reading, explaining, and leading the people in how to be righteous. Jesus is challenging their authority and the people are responding to Jesus! 
2. The real focus of these parables is not about the sheep, the coin, or the lost sons!  It is about the shepherd, the woman and the Father.  The focus on the third parable is the highlight of understanding who the Father is and how he yearns for a relationship with all who will come to him!  It is about the heart of the Father, and his coming out to both sons, making the same offer!  All that I have is yours!
3. The older boy responds as a slave would respond, not as a son.  In the same way as his younger brother who had no interest in the Father, only in what the Father could provide!  Both missed the yearning desire of the Father to to love and be loved.  He was only there to be used and abused.
4. In this last portion about the older son Jesus exposes the very hypocrisy of the Pharisees – who are also just as blind to the heart of the Father and live slavishly under rules that they impose on others. The judgement is as clear as the invitation to experience the Fathers great love.

How do you see your relationship with the Heavenly Father?  Living in Forgiveness, restoration and rejoicing? Or is it a burden you bear, rather than casting all your burdens on to Jesus.