The Father of the Prodigal Son Jesus Description of a True Father Luke 15
The Parable of the Prodigal Son Luke 15:11 There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me. And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he wasted his property in wild living.
14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired [or, joined ] himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 But when he came to himself, he said, How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.
20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran to him and embraced and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to celebrate.
1. He is Understanding! v. 20 But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him. He sees the true condition of his son.
1. How is your Understanding? Are you aware of where your child is now? ú Do you know who their friends are? ú What direction they are headed? ú What condition they are in?
2. He is Compassionate! v. 20 His father saw him and his heart was filled with compassion. He is deeply touched when he saw what sin did to his son.
2. He is Compassionate! He recognized that his son s poor choices were enough punishment. ú Too often we see the bad things our child does thru the filter of our own context: Why is he doing that? We never did that!
2. How is your Compassion? Greatest need of your child: ú To Know they are loved by you! ú Must be unconditional love.
3. He is Approachable! v. 20 But while he was still a long way off, his father ran to him. He runs to his son first! Approachability removes their fear of telling you of their failures.
3. Are you Approachable? A parent must be a great life coach! ú Trainer - Discipline ú Instructor - Teaching ú Mentor Model; example
4. He is Affectionate! v. 20 His father threw himself on his neck and kissed him! He is not embarrassed to show physical affection with his son. A Hug Heals! ú Especially after discipline!
4. Are you Affectionate? It s a mistake to withhold physical affection; especially when expectations are not met. ú You can be as spiritual as you want but sometimes a hug goes farther than a lecture or a sermon!
5. He raises Self-esteem! v. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him! The father returns him to the place of self respect. ú Sin - lowers a child s self esteem
5. Do you raise Self-esteem? You can give value to your child ú Wearing torn, poor clothing can be a sign of giving up Bride of Christ adorned ú Rev 6:11 Pure, white linen.
6. He motivates Achievement! v. 22 The father said to his servants Put a ring on his hand! He restores authority to his son. ú Pharoah Joseph in Egypt
6. Can you motivate Achievement? Encourage your child to make decisions and reach their goals. ú Release your child to do what they were born to do! Destiny
7. He puts Grace over Law! v. 22 The father said to his servants Put shoes on his feet! He frees his son from slavery ú Gives freedom to live right
7. Do you put Grace over Law? Gal 4:22 2 women who had sons: ú Slave woman Hagar LAW ú Free woman Sarah GRACE Trust must be taught ú With accountability
8. He Loves to Celebrate! v. 22 Bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate! He creates an atmosphere of JOY in his home! Jesus speaks of joy when what was LOST is now found!
8. Do you Celebrate in your home? Create happy memories with your children! Zeph 3:17 The Lord thy God in the midst of you is mighty; He will save, and rejoice over you with joy; He will rest in his love, He will joy over you with singing!
A True Father: 1. Understanding 2. Compassionate 3. Approachable 4. Affectionate 5. Raises Self-esteem 6. Motivates Achievement 7. Stresses Grace over Law 8. Loves to Celebrate!