This message is part of our series The Way of the Kingdom, a journey through Luke 12–19 where Jesus shows us what it means to live as his disciples in a world that’s not our home.

In this talk, The Kingdom for the Lost, we hear Jesus tell one of his most famous parables—the story of the prodigal son. But it’s more than just a story about a wayward child. It’s a story that redefines sin, reveals the heart of God as Father, and shows us what salvation really costs. Whether we’ve run recklessly into rebellion like the younger son, or tried to earn God’s favour through rule-keeping like the elder son, Jesus invites us to see ourselves in the story—and to step into the feast of grace that God freely offers.

If you’ve ever wondered whether God could really love you, or if you’ve ever found yourself standing outside looking in, this passage is good news: the Father runs to both the lost and the self-righteous, and the true elder brother—Jesus himself—has paid the price to bring us home.