TheLost SonA Parable of Mercy and

Forgiveness

Luke 15:11-32

The Wasteful, unthankful

treatment of God’s

BlessingsLuke 15:11-16

Hebrews 2:1-3; 10:29

Hebrews 2:1-3Therefore we must give the

more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.

Hebrews 10:29Of how much worse

punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

Younger Son:The Sinner

must change his heart and

life to be forgiven

Luke 15:13-20a2 Corinthians 7:10-11

2 Corinthians 7:10-11For godly sorrow produces

repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

The Father:God in mercy

is ready to forgive!

Luke 15:20-24Ephesians 2:4-5; Jude 20-23

Ephesians 2:4-5But God, who is rich in mercy,

because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).

Jude 20-21But you, beloved, building

yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Note: vs. 22, “And on some have compassion, making a distinction.” We too (as the father) must show mercy and seek the salvation of others!

Older Son:Unwilling to rejoice when the sinner is

savedLuke 15:25-32

Colossians 3:12-13; Luke 15:4-7

Colossians 3:12-13Therefore, as the elect of God,

holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

Luke 15:4-7What man of you, having a hundred

sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!” 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

Conclusion

Which character best describes you?

May we be penitent, and approach our Father for

forgiveness!