Luke 15:11-32
Luke 15:11-32
This is a parable about two brothers and a loving father. One brother, the prodigal, ran off and ruined his life before returning to his father for forgiveness. The other, older brother stayed and did the right things. The surprise ending to this story is that it is the older brother who left estranged from his father. But why? Because one brother gave his heart to the father and the other just gave his obedience.
Both brothers teach us something about ourselves and the heart of God. The prodigal brother is a lost sinner. Someone who runs from the Lord and chooses to live for themselves and live in sin. He traded a relationship with his father for the world and in the end, he was left empty and alone. The things of this world will never satisfy us the way that we think they will - only God can truly satisfy the heart.
But what happens when the brother returns to his father’s house? Is he met with anger or wrath? No, the father ran to him, embraced him in his filthy state, and then clothed him with his robe and ring. This is God’s heart towards any wayward soul that comes to him. There is no sin limit to God’s grace. No amount of filth or shame can halt his embrace. It is the joy of his heart to run to you, restore you, and clothe you in His righteousness (Heb 12:2).
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt 11:28,29)
The older brother stayed with his father and worked hard for him. So when he saw his father embrace and celebrate his prodigal brother he was angered and refused to go into his father’s house. He thought his obedience earned him more than his brother. Our hearts can be misled to believe the same thing - that our obedience and loyalty have earned us God’s favor. Or at least more than “that” person.
What was the father’s response? Just like with the younger brother, the father ran to him. What the older brother didn’t realize is that his father wanted his heart more than his actions. So it is God. He wants your heart, your love, and your life more than he wants your obedience. “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6).
So how do we apply this? First, God’s heart, revealed in this parable, is unbelievable. It is life-changing. God is ready and willing to embrace and save the worst of the worst! Whoever you are. Whatever you’ve done. He is waiting to receive you with open arms. Our world so desperately needs to hear that truth. Who in your life needs to hear that message?
Secondly, God’s heart has not changed since Christ ascended to heaven or since you gave your life to him. He is STILL willing to forgive you and embrace you when you fail, so run to him.
Lastly, have you given your heart to the Lord or just your service? Are you just showing up to church, giving him an hour, maybe $20, and calling it a day? He wants your heart. He wants you to worship him because that is when your heart will be truly satisfied.
By: Joe Weaver
This is a parable about two brothers and a loving father. One brother, the prodigal, ran off and ruined his life before returning to his father for forgiveness. The other, older brother stayed and did the right things. The surprise ending to this story is that it is the older brother who left estranged from his father. But why? Because one brother gave his heart to the father and the other just gave his obedience.
Both brothers teach us something about ourselves and the heart of God. The prodigal brother is a lost sinner. Someone who runs from the Lord and chooses to live for themselves and live in sin. He traded a relationship with his father for the world and in the end, he was left empty and alone. The things of this world will never satisfy us the way that we think they will - only God can truly satisfy the heart.
But what happens when the brother returns to his father’s house? Is he met with anger or wrath? No, the father ran to him, embraced him in his filthy state, and then clothed him with his robe and ring. This is God’s heart towards any wayward soul that comes to him. There is no sin limit to God’s grace. No amount of filth or shame can halt his embrace. It is the joy of his heart to run to you, restore you, and clothe you in His righteousness (Heb 12:2).
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt 11:28,29)
The older brother stayed with his father and worked hard for him. So when he saw his father embrace and celebrate his prodigal brother he was angered and refused to go into his father’s house. He thought his obedience earned him more than his brother. Our hearts can be misled to believe the same thing - that our obedience and loyalty have earned us God’s favor. Or at least more than “that” person.
What was the father’s response? Just like with the younger brother, the father ran to him. What the older brother didn’t realize is that his father wanted his heart more than his actions. So it is God. He wants your heart, your love, and your life more than he wants your obedience. “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6).
So how do we apply this? First, God’s heart, revealed in this parable, is unbelievable. It is life-changing. God is ready and willing to embrace and save the worst of the worst! Whoever you are. Whatever you’ve done. He is waiting to receive you with open arms. Our world so desperately needs to hear that truth. Who in your life needs to hear that message?
Secondly, God’s heart has not changed since Christ ascended to heaven or since you gave your life to him. He is STILL willing to forgive you and embrace you when you fail, so run to him.
Lastly, have you given your heart to the Lord or just your service? Are you just showing up to church, giving him an hour, maybe $20, and calling it a day? He wants your heart. He wants you to worship him because that is when your heart will be truly satisfied.
By: Joe Weaver
1 Comment
Wow! Great message! I have read this story many times. But this is a new takeaway for me about this story. 🙂