Join us this week as we continue our summer series, Simple Stories: How the Parables of Jesus change everything, as we look at the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32. This is one of the most well-known parables of Jesus within the church, but also in our culture at large. We often see the major themes reflected in literature, songs and movies; movies such as old classics from Quo Vadis to the Lion King. However, as familiar as people might be with this story, there is a lot more going on than many would realize. As we look into the context and try to put ourselves into the culture of first century Palestine, we gain a better understanding of what Jesus was saying. In this parable, Jesus offers some essential teaching on what it means to be saved, to be lost and found, to be spiritually dead and alive in Christ. While these truths may have hit hard for those who were self-righteous, at the same time they brought hope to repentant sinners who were given a glimpse of the overwhelming love of God.

Series: Simple Stories: How the parables of Jesus change everything

Nathan Hooper

Message: 2 - The prodigal son

Harvest Bible Chapel

Text: Luke 15:11-32

June 30, 2024

In order for us to be made alive in Christ, we must…

… recognize that we are dead in our sin (v. 11-20)

If you are aware of your sin, you are aware of it only because you have been visited by amazing grace. Don’t resist that awareness. Silence your inner lawyer and all the self-defending arguments for your righteousness. Quit relieving your guilt by pointing a finger of blame at someone else. And stop telling yourself in the middle of a sermon that you know someone who really needs to hear it.

Paul David Tripp – Journey to the Cross

… understand that we can do nothing to bring this about (v. 25-30)

Recognizing a Pharisee

1. Pharisees know what to say, but do not do what they say.

2. Pharisees practice their faith to be seen by others.

3. Pharisees keep people from Jesus and his grace.

4. Pharisees add their convictions and traditions to the word of God.

5. Pharisees lack love for people in need.

6. Pharisees cover sin instead of confessing and repenting.

The Making of a Modern Day Pharisee

Marshall Segal, Desiring God

Mercy and forgiveness must be free and unmerited to the wrongdoer. If the wrongdoer has to do something to merit it, then it isn't mercy, but forgiveness always comes at a cost to the one granting the forgiveness.

Tim Keller, The Prodigal God

… humbly receive his grace and be restored by him (v. 21-24, 28, 31-32)

Romans 5:8

1 John 4:10

Galatians 2:20