The prodigal son’s father reveals what it is like for God the Father when one of His wayward children who has been living in rebellion and immorality repents and returns home.

https://youtu.be/DMJ6pkYaCXc
The prodigal son’s father reveals what it is like for God the Father when one of His wayward children repents after living in rebellion.

Table of contentsFamily Worship GuideSermon NotesLesson One: The first century thought God the Father was impersonal and stoic.Lesson Two: The Prodigal Son’s Father (Part One) feels deeply.Lesson Two: The Prodigal Son’s Father (Part Two) longs for his son’s return.Lesson Two: The Prodigal Son’s Father (Part Three) is affectionate.Lesson Two: The Prodigal Son’s Father (Part Four) doesn’t force.

Family Worship Guide

Directions: Read the verses and then answer the questions:

Day 1: Acts 17:16-18—Why is wisdom compared with treasures, such as gold and silver? What provokes your spirit within you at times? What can you do in response to this provocation from the Lord? Why do you think the first century thought the Lord was impersonal and stoic?Day 2: Isaiah 62:5, Zephaniah 3:17 1 Timothy 2:4, Luke 15:20—In what ways does it encourage you to know that the Lord feels deeply? What are some places in Scripture that demonstrate this truth? What is anthropomorphism and what are some examples of it in Scripture?Day 3: 2 Corinthians 13:12, Luke 15:20—Describe how the father responded when he saw his son. What application does this have for you in your relationship with the Lord? What application does this have for you in your parenting? In other words, in what ways do you think as a parent you can strive to be like God the Father?

Sermon Notes

The title of this morning’s sermon is, “The Prodigal Son’s Father.”

On Sunday mornings we’re working our way through Luke’s gospel verse by verse and we find ourselves in the middle of the parable of the prodigal son. But for Scripture reading open to Acts 17. Please stand with me for the reading of God’s Word. We will start at verse 16…

Acts 17:16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities "because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.

You may be seated. Let’s pray.

During one of our recent family Bible studies we talked about wisdom being compared with treasure in Scripture:

Proverbs 2:4 Seek [wisdom] like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures.Proverbs 3:15 [Wisdom] is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

I asked my children why wisdom would be compared with treasure, such as gold and silver, and they came up with the correct two answers:

First, wisdom is valuable like gold and silverSecond, wisdom must be diligently sought, like gold and silver

The more sermons I prepare, the more convinced I become that there are real treasures available if we will dig into God’s Word and search for them.

One of the treasures I discovered recently is associated with the background of Jesus preaching the parable of the prodigal son.

You can read this parable on its own and be greatly blessed by it, but if you dig deeper and understand WHY Jesus preached this parable, there is even more blessing.

When Jesus preached this parable He shattered some of the most common misconceptions about God the Father in His day. You could almost think of this parable as a strongly apologetic passage defending a right view of God the Father.

We have already seen two misconceptions dismantled, and this morning we will see a third. Let me briefly remind you of the two previous misco...