WEBVTT 00:00:00.140 --> 00:00:05.000 Well, this morning as we look to the Word of God, we get to hear a very well-known parable 00:00:05.000 --> 00:00:11.140 ! Three parables actually, but the third one is one of the most well-known parables that 00:00:11.140 --> 00:00:16.740 he gave, and we're just going to jump right in here. Let's listen to Jesus. We're in the 00:00:16.740 --> 00:00:19.359 Gospel of Luke, chapter 15. 00:00:25.539 --> 00:00:32.420 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus, but the Pharisees 00:00:32.420 --> 00:00:38.620 and the teachers of the law muttered, this man welcomes sinners and eats with them. 00:00:38.619 --> 00:00:47.000 So Jesus is again in the company of the tax collectors and some other people known for 00:00:47.000 --> 00:00:55.319 their immoral ways. Sinners is the word that Luke chooses to describe them. And like we've 00:00:55.319 --> 00:01:01.359 heard before, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law did not like Jesus hanging around 00:01:01.359 --> 00:01:08.000 with the sinners. They criticize and condemn Jesus for it. 00:01:08.620 --> 00:01:17.840 Look, he's friendly. He's welcoming them. He's even eating with them like there's nothing 00:01:17.840 --> 00:01:18.600 wrong with them. 00:01:18.599 --> 00:01:30.379 Now, there is some biblical basis to choosing carefully who we spend our time with, who our 00:01:30.379 --> 00:01:37.439 friends are, who we associate with. There's even lots of scriptures we could look at that 00:01:37.439 --> 00:01:44.879 give us wisdom and guidance about that. And there certainly is a time to maybe make some choices 00:01:44.879 --> 00:01:52.399 to part company with people. The truth is that whether we like to admit it or not, our friends 00:01:52.399 --> 00:02:00.780 influence us. And we tend to become more like those that we keep company with. That's why we often 00:02:00.780 --> 00:02:08.379 urge our children to choose wisely and carefully who they are friends with. But there's something else 00:02:08.379 --> 00:02:17.979 happening here between Jesus and the tax collectors. Between Jesus and the sinners. For one, Jesus is not 00:02:17.979 --> 00:02:28.219 being influenced or corrupted by them. In fact, the opposite has been happening. They've been listening 00:02:28.219 --> 00:02:38.840 to Jesus. Some of them have given up their immoral and sinful ways in order to follow Jesus. Levi is the 00:02:38.840 --> 00:02:47.280 first example of that. Also known as Matthew. He was one of the tax collectors, but he repented and he left 00:02:47.280 --> 00:02:54.000 everything in order to follow Jesus. And so that's the first thing to know here is that Jesus is not being 00:02:54.000 --> 00:03:01.199 influenced or corrupted by immoral people. Rather, they are being changed. They are repenting and being 00:03:01.199 --> 00:03:11.240 restored to God through Jesus. And second, Jesus, by spending time with them, is not in any way endorsing 00:03:11.240 --> 00:03:18.060 the immoral things that people have been doing. Even while he's with them, he preaches the same message. 00:03:18.060 --> 00:03:26.280 He tells them that they need to turn from their sinful ways and come back to God. He tells them that God 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:34.319 is eager to forgive them, that he is merciful. And so as much as the Pharisees would like to implicate 00:03:34.319 --> 00:03:44.539 Jesus, it just doesn't work. Jesus is not guilty by association. Jesus spending time with sinners and 00:03:44.539 --> 00:03:51.060 even eating with them is not the same as affirming the sinful things that they do. 00:03:52.759 --> 00:03:58.599 I mean, if we think hard about it, when it comes right down to it, if Jesus was only to spend time 00:03:58.599 --> 00:04:06.139 with those who are truly righteous, then he wouldn't be having a meal with anybody or spending time with 00:04:06.139 --> 00:04:13.759 anyone because we've all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. There is no one righteous 00:04:13.759 --> 00:04:20.480 not even one. The Bible is clear about that. Actually, Jesus is consistent. 00:04:24.019 --> 00:04:31.339 He is without sin. He is truly righteous and he is willing to spend time with sinners. He spent time 00:04:31.339 --> 00:04:38.399 with the self-righteous, hypocritical Pharisees eating in their homes when he was invited and he spent time 00:04:38.399 --> 00:04:48.259 with the greedy tax collectors in their homes when invited. The reason Jesus has come into the world is to save 00:04:48.259 --> 00:04:56.339 sinners. Let's listen to Jesus' response to the criticism of the Pharisees. He tells them three parables 00:04:56.339 --> 00:05:02.139 and we'll just take the first two together starting in verse three. 00:05:02.139 --> 00:05:12.699 Then Jesus told them this parable. Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. 00:05:13.979 --> 00:05:21.159 Doesn't he leave the 99 in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 00:05:22.279 --> 00:05:27.939 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. 00:05:27.939 --> 00:05:35.899 Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, rejoice with me. I have found my lost sheep. 00:05:37.379 --> 00:05:44.040 I tell you that in the same way, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents 00:05:44.040 --> 00:05:48.439 than over 99 righteous persons who do not need to repent. 00:05:48.439 --> 00:05:55.480 Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. 00:05:57.000 --> 00:05:59.959 Doesn't she light a lamp, sweep the house, 00:06:00.219 --> 00:06:02.639 and search carefully until she finds it? 00:06:03.639 --> 00:06:08.600 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, rejoice with me. 00:06:09.159 --> 00:06:10.620 I have found my lost coin. 00:06:10.620 --> 00:06:20.800 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. 00:06:23.860 --> 00:06:28.199 Both of these parables really say the same thing, just different analogies. 00:06:29.220 --> 00:06:34.000 And there are really two things that Jesus emphasizes in both of them. 00:06:34.000 --> 00:06:42.379 The first thing that Jesus emphasizes is how the attention and the concern is on what is lost. 00:06:43.939 --> 00:06:50.100 The shepherd doesn't worry about the 99 sheep that are all accounted for. 00:06:51.180 --> 00:06:54.600 His concern is for the one that's lost. 00:06:55.579 --> 00:06:57.279 The 99 are fine. 00:06:58.360 --> 00:06:59.120 He has them. 00:06:59.639 --> 00:07:00.720 They're safe and sound. 00:07:00.720 --> 00:07:08.240 But the one that's missing consumes his attention and fills his heart. 00:07:10.600 --> 00:07:15.040 Who here has ever lost anything, maybe while you're away from home, 00:07:15.340 --> 00:07:17.440 something that was very valuable or important? 00:07:19.780 --> 00:07:21.040 What was it, Charles? 00:07:22.080 --> 00:07:23.080 Oh, okay. 00:07:23.580 --> 00:07:26.340 Anybody have an example of anything? 00:07:27.600 --> 00:07:28.620 Maybe wallet? 00:07:30.720 --> 00:07:31.280 Keys? 00:07:34.600 --> 00:07:35.520 Different things? 00:07:37.780 --> 00:07:41.140 Did you ever have that thought cross your mind as you were searching for it? 00:07:41.420 --> 00:07:45.400 That you better just keep on searching right now until you find it? 00:07:45.420 --> 00:07:47.620 Because eventually you have to leave and go home. 00:07:47.740 --> 00:07:51.860 And if you don't find it now, then it might be lost to you forever. 00:07:51.860 --> 00:07:51.939 Whatever. 00:07:54.460 --> 00:07:59.319 We sort of know that there's this window of opportunity to find what is lost. 00:08:01.620 --> 00:08:06.160 And if we don't find it, then somebody else might come across it and take it. 00:08:06.780 --> 00:08:08.780 Or it might get too dark to see it. 00:08:09.699 --> 00:08:14.280 Or it might get buried in dirt or grass or leaves or snow. 00:08:14.279 --> 00:08:20.559 And in those moments, we put everything else on hold, don't we? 00:08:20.560 --> 00:08:28.680 The last thing that we're concerned with in those moments is all the stuff that we have that isn't lost. 00:08:28.680 --> 00:08:37.379 The woman with the silver coin is really easy to relate to here. 00:08:38.180 --> 00:08:42.060 Back then, one silver coin was worth about a day's wages. 00:08:43.320 --> 00:08:45.299 Let's translate that into today's money. 00:08:46.240 --> 00:08:51.659 To keep it simple, let's just use minimum wage, which in Saskatchewan is about 15 bucks an hour. 00:08:51.659 --> 00:08:56.399 So an eight-hour day of work here in Saskatchewan, that's about 120 bucks. 00:08:57.139 --> 00:08:59.039 But then, of course, there's deductions. 00:08:59.339 --> 00:09:01.059 So let's just say 100. 00:09:02.240 --> 00:09:06.879 So this woman's got 10 silver coins, 10 days' wages. 00:09:07.059 --> 00:09:09.379 So in our money, she's got $1,000. 00:09:11.000 --> 00:09:13.819 She's got 10 $100 bills. 00:09:21.659 --> 00:09:29.100 Kevin, if I was to give you 10 $100 bills and count them out for you after the service, 00:09:29.219 --> 00:09:33.779 100, 200, 300, all the way to 1,000, and I gave them to you and I said, 00:09:34.139 --> 00:09:35.899 this is a gift. 00:09:36.679 --> 00:09:37.579 Use it wisely. 00:09:38.379 --> 00:09:39.699 How would that make you feel? 00:09:44.039 --> 00:09:44.719 Fairly good. 00:09:44.719 --> 00:09:44.719 00:09:45.519 --> 00:09:46.439 I'd like to try that. 00:09:46.440 --> 00:09:55.820 So what would you do if you got home and you went to put that $1,000 in a safe place 00:09:55.820 --> 00:09:59.180 and you saw that one of those bills was missing? 00:10:03.700 --> 00:10:06.260 You'd go hunting for it. 00:10:06.340 --> 00:10:06.880 I hope so. 00:10:07.320 --> 00:10:09.020 100 bucks is 100 bucks, right? 00:10:09.760 --> 00:10:14.740 Wouldn't you look around on the floor and check your coat pocket and retrace your steps 00:10:14.740 --> 00:10:19.220 and maybe even find your way all the way back here to the church where I gave it to you 00:10:19.220 --> 00:10:20.419 and look around on the floor. 00:10:26.200 --> 00:10:31.519 While you look for that $100 bill that you misplaced or lost, 00:10:31.980 --> 00:10:36.580 would you be too worried about the $900 that's sitting on your dresser at home safe and sound? 00:10:37.259 --> 00:10:37.620 No. 00:10:38.659 --> 00:10:39.379 Of course not. 00:10:40.659 --> 00:10:43.940 When something's lost, that's where our attention is. 00:10:43.940 --> 00:10:46.140 That's what weighs on us. 00:10:46.520 --> 00:10:50.720 It consumes our hearts until we find it. 00:10:51.960 --> 00:10:54.400 That's the first thing Jesus emphasizes here. 00:10:56.680 --> 00:11:00.620 The second thing that Jesus emphasizes here is the joy that's felt 00:11:00.620 --> 00:11:04.200 when the thing that was lost is found. 00:11:06.080 --> 00:11:11.660 What does the shepherd in Jesus' analogy do when he finds the lost sheep? 00:11:11.659 --> 00:11:18.539 He joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. 00:11:19.240 --> 00:11:22.980 And then he's so happy that he calls his friends and his neighbors together 00:11:22.980 --> 00:11:24.360 and he tells them the news. 00:11:24.500 --> 00:11:25.279 Rejoice with me. 00:11:25.319 --> 00:11:26.759 I have found my lost sheep. 00:11:27.939 --> 00:11:31.639 Most of us aren't sheep farmers, and so this could be a little hard to relate to, 00:11:31.740 --> 00:11:34.079 but just imagine that you had two dogs 00:11:34.080 --> 00:11:37.680 and one of them hasn't come home for a few days. 00:11:40.660 --> 00:11:43.639 And then a few days later, you find him. 00:11:44.700 --> 00:11:45.740 Wouldn't you be happy? 00:11:47.580 --> 00:11:51.139 Wouldn't you be eager to share the good news with friends and family? 00:11:51.139 --> 00:11:53.799 Maybe you'd been asking them to pray that you would find the dog. 00:11:55.059 --> 00:11:57.980 You might even do something special to mark the occasion. 00:11:59.000 --> 00:12:03.899 There's great joy in finding what is lost in these cases, 00:12:04.159 --> 00:12:06.639 in the story, and in things in our lives, 00:12:06.659 --> 00:12:11.799 because what was lost was truly valuable to us. 00:12:11.799 --> 00:12:23.039 That sheep, that coin, that wallet, those keys, they're valuable. 00:12:26.019 --> 00:12:28.019 Well, at the end of each of these parables, 00:12:28.179 --> 00:12:32.539 Jesus just straight up gives us the explanation of what he's talking about. 00:12:32.659 --> 00:12:34.279 He tells us what his point is. 00:12:34.379 --> 00:12:34.939 Verse 7, 00:12:34.940 --> 00:12:50.280 And again, in verse 10, 00:12:51.160 --> 00:12:52.280 In the same way, I tell you, 00:12:52.360 --> 00:12:55.880 there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God 00:12:55.880 --> 00:12:59.560 over one sinner who repents. 00:12:59.559 --> 00:13:07.239 So who in heaven rejoices when a sinner repents? 00:13:09.659 --> 00:13:10.459 Everybody. 00:13:11.579 --> 00:13:18.079 Well, everybody is right. 00:13:20.299 --> 00:13:22.119 But notice how it's worded. 00:13:22.939 --> 00:13:28.099 There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God. 00:13:28.100 --> 00:13:29.639 Who is rejoicing? 00:13:30.740 --> 00:13:33.200 God is celebrating. 00:13:34.940 --> 00:13:36.720 When a sinner repents. 00:13:38.659 --> 00:13:41.720 When someone who is valuable and precious to him, 00:13:41.879 --> 00:13:44.740 who has been lost, is found. 00:13:46.379 --> 00:13:47.899 He rejoices. 00:13:49.200 --> 00:13:53.080 These parables aren't about sheep or coins or lost property. 00:13:53.240 --> 00:13:54.620 They're about lost people. 00:13:54.620 --> 00:13:58.480 And how God feels about lost people. 00:13:59.679 --> 00:14:04.720 And it's not that he doesn't care about all those who already belong to him. 00:14:05.460 --> 00:14:06.899 That's not the point here. 00:14:07.620 --> 00:14:14.899 But his hearts and his thoughts are very much on those who are lost to him right now. 00:14:14.899 --> 00:14:21.139 Each one of us is a person made in God's own image. 00:14:22.439 --> 00:14:24.340 And we are valuable to him. 00:14:26.059 --> 00:14:29.519 And that's why Jesus spends time with sinners. 00:14:31.319 --> 00:14:33.539 Because his heart is for them. 00:14:35.340 --> 00:14:37.740 He has come for them. 00:14:37.740 --> 00:14:41.180 They are precious. 00:14:41.340 --> 00:14:42.259 They matter to him. 00:14:42.379 --> 00:14:44.600 He desires that they be found. 00:14:48.720 --> 00:14:50.960 Jesus now launches into the third parable. 00:14:51.519 --> 00:14:53.560 And this one really gets to our hearts. 00:14:53.680 --> 00:14:55.259 I don't know if I'm going to even make it through this. 00:14:55.340 --> 00:14:55.740 We'll see. 00:14:55.740 --> 00:15:00.000 Jesus continued. 00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:02.759 There was a man who had two sons. 00:15:03.860 --> 00:15:06.060 The younger one said to his father, 00:15:06.279 --> 00:15:08.940 Father, give me my share of the estate. 00:15:10.620 --> 00:15:13.100 So he divided his property between them. 00:15:14.480 --> 00:15:18.279 Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, 00:15:18.980 --> 00:15:20.560 set off for a distant country, 00:15:21.299 --> 00:15:24.659 and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:28.419 After he had spent everything, 00:15:29.419 --> 00:15:31.799 there was a severe famine in that whole country. 00:15:32.539 --> 00:15:34.279 And he began to be in need. 00:15:35.620 --> 00:15:38.840 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country 00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:42.159 who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 00:15:43.919 --> 00:15:48.279 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating. 00:15:49.379 --> 00:15:51.440 But no one gave him anything. 00:15:51.440 --> 00:15:55.940 When he came to his senses, he said, 00:15:57.060 --> 00:16:00.500 How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare? 00:16:00.880 --> 00:16:02.840 And here I am starving to death. 00:16:04.460 --> 00:16:08.060 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him, 00:16:08.180 --> 00:16:11.340 Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 00:16:12.440 --> 00:16:14.880 I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. 00:16:15.660 --> 00:16:18.200 Make me like one of your hired servants. 00:16:18.200 --> 00:16:23.640 So he got up and went to his father. 00:16:25.879 --> 00:16:28.360 But while he was still a long way off, 00:16:28.420 --> 00:16:32.500 his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him. 00:16:33.340 --> 00:16:34.920 He ran to his son, 00:16:35.379 --> 00:16:36.960 threw his arms around him, 00:16:37.100 --> 00:16:37.980 and kissed him. 00:16:37.980 --> 00:16:41.220 The son said to him, 00:16:41.420 --> 00:16:44.200 Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 00:16:44.480 --> 00:16:46.840 I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. 00:16:48.200 --> 00:16:50.180 But the father said to his servants, 00:16:50.740 --> 00:16:53.860 Quick, bring the best robe and put it on him. 00:16:54.240 --> 00:16:57.560 Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 00:16:58.560 --> 00:17:00.480 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. 00:17:00.879 --> 00:17:02.620 Let's have a feast and celebrate. 00:17:02.620 --> 00:17:07.640 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again. 00:17:07.940 --> 00:17:10.359 He was lost and is found. 00:17:12.119 --> 00:17:14.039 So they began to celebrate. 00:17:15.500 --> 00:17:17.599 Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. 00:17:18.240 --> 00:17:21.259 When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 00:17:22.480 --> 00:17:25.839 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 00:17:25.839 --> 00:17:29.519 Your brother has come, he replied. 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:34.299 And your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound. 00:17:35.939 --> 00:17:39.939 The older brother became angry and refused to go in. 00:17:41.559 --> 00:17:44.139 So his father went out and pleaded with him. 00:17:45.220 --> 00:17:46.659 But he answered his father, 00:17:47.240 --> 00:17:52.039 Look, all these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:56.980 You never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 00:17:58.019 --> 00:18:03.420 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, 00:18:03.960 --> 00:18:05.879 you kill the fattened calf for him. 00:18:08.119 --> 00:18:09.839 My son, the father said, 00:18:10.319 --> 00:18:13.740 You are always with me and everything I have is yours. 00:18:14.480 --> 00:18:20.200 We had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again. 00:18:20.200 --> 00:18:23.980 He was lost and is found. 00:18:29.180 --> 00:18:30.319 What a parable. 00:18:32.319 --> 00:18:37.519 A picture is worth a thousand words and boy does Jesus paint a picture with this parable. 00:18:38.600 --> 00:18:44.740 It all starts with a son who acts disgracefully and dishonorably towards his dad. 00:18:44.740 --> 00:18:55.099 You don't ask your dad for your share of his estate while he's still living. 00:18:55.099 --> 00:19:00.539 This is utterly rude and shameful. 00:19:01.359 --> 00:19:05.240 He cares more about the money and what he wants to do with it than his own dad. 00:19:07.879 --> 00:19:11.019 And most fathers hearing something like this would just, 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:14.859 I think we would just laugh and say, forget it. 00:19:14.859 --> 00:19:19.919 But in this little story, Jesus says the father actually gives it to him. 00:19:20.979 --> 00:19:25.099 He divides his estate between him and this son. 00:19:25.099 --> 00:19:33.359 And from there we see what this son does with all his dad has just given him. 00:19:34.059 --> 00:19:39.579 He goes to a faraway country and he squanders it in wild living. 00:19:40.699 --> 00:19:44.259 A few other translations use the word reckless living. 00:19:44.259 --> 00:19:51.299 And Jesus doesn't list off all his individual sins during this time. 00:19:51.879 --> 00:19:54.220 But we kind of get the picture. 00:19:54.460 --> 00:19:58.259 Squandered and wild living sums it up. 00:19:59.339 --> 00:20:01.039 He blows it all. 00:20:02.839 --> 00:20:07.759 It's kind of implied by these two words that he spends it all on himself. 00:20:09.079 --> 00:20:11.259 He does not deny himself. 00:20:11.259 --> 00:20:14.900 He does not exercise self-control. 00:20:18.680 --> 00:20:23.559 The first words of verse 14 right after this are jolting. 00:20:24.759 --> 00:20:27.920 After he had spent everything. 00:20:30.359 --> 00:20:32.400 All of it is gone. 00:20:33.099 --> 00:20:35.759 After he had spent everything. 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:41.000 There was a severe famine in that whole country and he began to be in need. 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:46.940 This is a good place to use our imagination a little bit and reflect. 00:20:47.720 --> 00:20:53.500 A severe famine means that times are really tough and everybody is feeling it. 00:20:55.180 --> 00:20:56.420 Everybody's spending less. 00:20:56.559 --> 00:20:59.519 Everybody's looking for more opportunity to work. 00:20:59.660 --> 00:21:02.119 To meet the rising cost of food. 00:21:02.119 --> 00:21:10.799 In such times employers find themselves with no shortage of resumes and job applications to sift through. 00:21:12.319 --> 00:21:15.919 And in such times employers are looking to trim expenses too. 00:21:16.479 --> 00:21:20.859 And so there's often more people competing for fewer jobs. 00:21:20.859 --> 00:21:30.559 If you were an employer would you hire this young man who is known to be reckless and self-indulgent? 00:21:32.139 --> 00:21:36.539 A young man who has zero self-control and only cares for himself it seems? 00:21:36.539 --> 00:21:41.440 But the young man is in need. 00:21:42.099 --> 00:21:43.799 He has to find a job. 00:21:43.940 --> 00:21:52.019 And between the tough times and his lack of character it seems the best he's able to do is a job on a pig farm. 00:21:52.019 --> 00:22:00.819 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 00:22:03.160 --> 00:22:08.059 As a reminder pigs are strongly detested by the Jews. 00:22:10.039 --> 00:22:12.599 They're unclean animals. 00:22:12.819 --> 00:22:15.279 That goes back to the Old Testament law. 00:22:15.279 --> 00:22:20.420 But even in our culture today, I mean working with pigs is unpleasant. 00:22:22.359 --> 00:22:24.259 To be honest I haven't done it myself. 00:22:24.519 --> 00:22:26.099 I've just kind of been by one. 00:22:26.700 --> 00:22:29.700 And that was so revolting as it was. 00:22:29.700 --> 00:22:32.819 I mean they just smell so bad. 00:22:33.559 --> 00:22:37.619 And they eat anything and they roll around in their own excrement. 00:22:38.180 --> 00:22:40.379 They're filthy, disgusting creatures. 00:22:41.519 --> 00:22:44.899 We could probably think of maybe a few worse jobs today. 00:22:45.279 --> 00:22:46.980 But this is a parable. 00:22:47.099 --> 00:22:51.779 And the point is that things have come to the worst for this young man. 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:54.440 He was a son in the family. 00:22:55.579 --> 00:22:58.980 Now he is a servant of the lowest animals. 00:23:00.440 --> 00:23:03.079 His job is to serve the pigs. 00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:07.500 And things are really bad. 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:13.339 It says he longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating. 00:23:13.339 --> 00:23:16.839 But no one gave him anything. 00:23:18.899 --> 00:23:20.199 So he's starving. 00:23:21.559 --> 00:23:23.899 The wage that he's making is not enough. 00:23:24.019 --> 00:23:25.519 And with the rising costs of food. 00:23:25.659 --> 00:23:30.480 He's not able to get enough in his stomach to stave off the hunger he feels. 00:23:30.720 --> 00:23:33.899 And that dull ache of hunger in his belly. 00:23:34.039 --> 00:23:35.939 Just keeps gnawing at him. 00:23:35.940 --> 00:23:43.180 To the point that he's starting to think about plunging his hands into the pigs food. 00:23:44.940 --> 00:23:46.779 To bring it up to his own mouth. 00:23:46.779 --> 00:23:52.180 But it would seem that others are watching. 00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:57.200 And maybe he'd even get in trouble if they saw him doing this. 00:23:58.779 --> 00:24:03.700 It almost sounds like he's hoping somebody will notice how desperate he is. 00:24:05.079 --> 00:24:07.259 And either give him some free food. 00:24:07.619 --> 00:24:11.799 Or at least give him permission to help himself to some of the pigs food. 00:24:11.799 --> 00:24:14.759 But no one gave him anything. 00:24:17.359 --> 00:24:20.799 Sometimes we need to hit rock bottom. 00:24:21.899 --> 00:24:24.399 We need to come to the lowest of lows. 00:24:25.000 --> 00:24:30.139 Before we finally realize where living for ourselves leads to. 00:24:30.140 --> 00:24:34.220 In one sense. 00:24:34.560 --> 00:24:36.220 This young man is lower. 00:24:36.680 --> 00:24:37.520 Than the pigs. 00:24:38.180 --> 00:24:40.600 Because his job is to feed them. 00:24:41.140 --> 00:24:42.280 And fatten them. 00:24:44.360 --> 00:24:46.400 And this young man even realizes. 00:24:46.759 --> 00:24:49.660 That even the pigs have it better than he does. 00:24:50.860 --> 00:24:52.380 They have food to eat. 00:24:53.280 --> 00:24:54.240 And yet he's starving. 00:24:56.600 --> 00:24:57.740 In another sense. 00:24:57.740 --> 00:25:01.339 This young man has almost become like one of the pigs. 00:25:01.980 --> 00:25:03.200 Because if he could. 00:25:03.339 --> 00:25:05.359 He is almost ready to join with them. 00:25:05.839 --> 00:25:08.180 And eat their stuff. 00:25:11.120 --> 00:25:13.700 Sometimes we need to hit rock bottom. 00:25:15.519 --> 00:25:17.759 We need to come to the lowest of lows. 00:25:17.880 --> 00:25:22.299 Before we finally realize where living for ourselves leads to. 00:25:24.599 --> 00:25:25.620 Why is that? 00:25:25.620 --> 00:25:25.620 00:25:27.740 --> 00:25:29.640 In the book of Proverbs. 00:25:29.779 --> 00:25:30.720 The sinful man. 00:25:31.019 --> 00:25:32.259 Or the wicked man. 00:25:32.380 --> 00:25:33.279 Is often called. 00:25:33.519 --> 00:25:34.380 The fool. 00:25:38.620 --> 00:25:39.700 There is. 00:25:40.120 --> 00:25:40.960 With sin. 00:25:41.880 --> 00:25:42.539 A madness. 00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:46.099 Where we continue to do. 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:48.440 The same self-destructive things. 00:25:48.599 --> 00:25:49.920 Over and over. 00:25:50.160 --> 00:25:51.039 And over again. 00:25:51.039 --> 00:25:53.980 There is a lie. 00:25:54.139 --> 00:25:55.579 That we are held captive to. 00:25:56.139 --> 00:25:57.859 And we ruin ourselves. 00:25:58.000 --> 00:26:00.259 In pursuit of empty pleasures. 00:26:01.339 --> 00:26:02.859 And empty promises. 00:26:05.859 --> 00:26:09.839 And so sometimes we need to hit rock bottom. 00:26:10.579 --> 00:26:13.279 We need to come to the lowest of lows. 00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:16.660 Before we finally realize. 00:26:16.660 --> 00:26:18.399 Where living for ourselves. 00:26:19.759 --> 00:26:20.500 Leads to. 00:26:23.500 --> 00:26:25.639 My favorite verse in this whole parable. 00:26:26.279 --> 00:26:27.379 Is the next one. 00:26:27.500 --> 00:26:28.139 Verse 17. 00:26:28.339 --> 00:26:31.500 I think about these words more often than anything else in this story. 00:26:31.599 --> 00:26:32.379 Believe it or not. 00:26:32.380 --> 00:26:35.720 When he came to his senses. 00:26:37.760 --> 00:26:38.500 He said. 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:42.300 How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare. 00:26:42.420 --> 00:26:44.180 And here I am starving to death. 00:26:46.480 --> 00:26:48.720 I will set out and go back to my father. 00:26:48.820 --> 00:26:49.480 And say to him. 00:26:49.540 --> 00:26:49.900 Father. 00:26:50.320 --> 00:26:51.780 I've sinned against heaven. 00:26:51.840 --> 00:26:52.660 And against you. 00:26:53.280 --> 00:26:55.800 I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. 00:26:55.800 --> 00:26:58.160 Make me like one of your hired servants. 00:26:58.160 --> 00:27:04.120 When he came. 00:27:04.700 --> 00:27:05.880 To his senses. 00:27:08.720 --> 00:27:10.500 These are my favorite words. 00:27:11.380 --> 00:27:12.740 In this whole story. 00:27:13.519 --> 00:27:14.820 As I said before. 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:16.759 Sin is like a madness. 00:27:17.320 --> 00:27:17.920 Within us. 00:27:18.759 --> 00:27:20.500 A self-destructive madness. 00:27:22.100 --> 00:27:24.300 And we're living for ourselves. 00:27:26.380 --> 00:27:27.980 And it's senseless. 00:27:27.980 --> 00:27:28.940 The way we do it. 00:27:30.440 --> 00:27:31.259 It's foolish. 00:27:31.559 --> 00:27:33.059 Others around us might even see. 00:27:33.240 --> 00:27:35.180 How the choices that we're making. 00:27:35.380 --> 00:27:36.860 Are taking a toll on us. 00:27:37.120 --> 00:27:38.460 But we won't listen. 00:27:38.960 --> 00:27:39.480 To reason. 00:27:42.400 --> 00:27:43.519 Asaph said it this way. 00:27:43.579 --> 00:27:44.519 In Psalm 73. 00:27:45.640 --> 00:27:47.019 About a time in his life. 00:27:47.140 --> 00:27:48.259 Where he was bitter. 00:27:48.539 --> 00:27:49.480 And envious. 00:27:49.960 --> 00:27:50.700 Of others. 00:27:50.779 --> 00:27:51.059 He said. 00:27:51.059 --> 00:27:52.160 I was senseless. 00:27:52.640 --> 00:27:53.559 And ignorant. 00:27:54.759 --> 00:27:56.339 I was a brute beast. 00:27:56.460 --> 00:27:57.480 Before you God. 00:27:57.980 --> 00:28:01.339 There is a senselessness. 00:28:01.819 --> 00:28:03.360 To our sinfulness. 00:28:05.240 --> 00:28:07.599 There is a senselessness. 00:28:08.319 --> 00:28:09.839 To our sinfulness. 00:28:11.980 --> 00:28:13.160 And we've. 00:28:13.539 --> 00:28:14.880 When we've been living for ourselves. 00:28:15.059 --> 00:28:16.759 And giving ourselves to sin. 00:28:17.180 --> 00:28:18.519 What we need. 00:28:18.940 --> 00:28:20.519 Is to come to our senses. 00:28:20.519 --> 00:28:23.259 We need to realize. 00:28:23.259 --> 00:28:24.700 We're living for our own. 00:28:24.900 --> 00:28:25.619 Selfish. 00:28:25.920 --> 00:28:26.460 Desires. 00:28:26.779 --> 00:28:27.799 Has got us. 00:28:30.859 --> 00:28:32.619 Look at what coming to his senses. 00:28:32.619 --> 00:28:33.660 In this parable. 00:28:34.660 --> 00:28:35.259 Includes. 00:28:36.400 --> 00:28:36.879 First. 00:28:36.980 --> 00:28:37.940 He has the realization. 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:39.740 Of just how good he had it. 00:28:40.440 --> 00:28:41.660 Back home with dad. 00:28:44.259 --> 00:28:45.000 Compared to. 00:28:45.339 --> 00:28:46.180 Where he is now. 00:28:46.180 --> 00:28:48.620 He realizes. 00:28:48.620 --> 00:28:50.400 That even the hired servants. 00:28:50.400 --> 00:28:51.320 Of his dad. 00:28:51.759 --> 00:28:52.340 Back home. 00:28:52.420 --> 00:28:53.320 Had food to spare. 00:28:55.160 --> 00:28:56.320 They were paid. 00:28:56.400 --> 00:28:57.180 And treated better. 00:28:57.299 --> 00:28:57.980 Than he is. 00:28:58.140 --> 00:28:58.820 Right now. 00:29:00.500 --> 00:29:01.759 They weren't starving. 00:29:02.259 --> 00:29:03.080 And they were just. 00:29:03.080 --> 00:29:04.240 Hired laborers. 00:29:05.620 --> 00:29:07.279 They weren't even part of the family. 00:29:07.279 --> 00:29:12.079 He has this realization. 00:29:12.079 --> 00:29:13.539 Of just how good he had it. 00:29:13.599 --> 00:29:14.539 Back home with dad. 00:29:15.079 --> 00:29:16.319 But it's more than that. 00:29:17.039 --> 00:29:17.980 Then come the thoughts. 00:29:17.980 --> 00:29:19.319 Of returning home. 00:29:19.759 --> 00:29:21.039 I should go back home. 00:29:22.680 --> 00:29:23.680 I will sit out. 00:29:23.740 --> 00:29:24.859 And go back to my father. 00:29:25.019 --> 00:29:25.160 But. 00:29:26.200 --> 00:29:27.240 To do that. 00:29:27.960 --> 00:29:29.599 Would require that I acknowledge. 00:29:29.599 --> 00:29:30.660 What I did to him. 00:29:33.579 --> 00:29:34.879 And I'd have to acknowledge. 00:29:34.879 --> 00:29:36.000 All the stuff I've done. 00:29:36.000 --> 00:29:37.259 With dad's money too. 00:29:37.279 --> 00:29:43.539 And for the first time. 00:29:43.539 --> 00:29:44.139 In this story. 00:29:44.139 --> 00:29:45.500 We see him begin to admit. 00:29:45.500 --> 00:29:46.859 That he has done wrong. 00:29:51.279 --> 00:29:52.299 I will set out. 00:29:52.379 --> 00:29:53.460 And go back to my father. 00:29:53.460 --> 00:29:54.220 And say to him. 00:29:54.279 --> 00:29:54.559 Father. 00:29:54.660 --> 00:29:55.960 I have sinned against. 00:29:56.440 --> 00:29:56.799 Heaven. 00:29:57.660 --> 00:29:58.299 That's God. 00:29:59.740 --> 00:30:00.819 And against you. 00:30:03.559 --> 00:30:04.960 This is what true repentance. 00:30:04.960 --> 00:30:05.740 Looks like. 00:30:05.740 --> 00:30:06.740 An admission. 00:30:06.740 --> 00:30:07.740 An admission. 00:30:07.740 --> 00:30:07.779 An admission. 00:30:07.779 --> 00:30:08.700 Of our sin. 00:30:08.700 --> 00:30:10.420 Not just to the people around us. 00:30:10.480 --> 00:30:11.279 Who we've wronged. 00:30:12.299 --> 00:30:13.299 But to God. 00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:16.599 I've sinned against heaven. 00:30:17.740 --> 00:30:19.799 I've done wrong against you. 00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:20.319 God. 00:30:24.240 --> 00:30:25.220 And at this moment. 00:30:25.279 --> 00:30:26.220 He's just thinking about. 00:30:26.220 --> 00:30:26.920 What he's going to say. 00:30:26.920 --> 00:30:27.860 When he gets home. 00:30:28.079 --> 00:30:28.880 There's more. 00:30:29.480 --> 00:30:30.420 Verse 19. 00:30:30.519 --> 00:30:31.039 He goes on. 00:30:31.259 --> 00:30:32.380 I'm no longer worthy. 00:30:32.480 --> 00:30:33.740 To be called your son. 00:30:35.480 --> 00:30:37.660 Make me like one of your hired servants. 00:30:38.740 --> 00:30:39.860 Though he realizes. 00:30:39.860 --> 00:30:41.000 That he's unworthy. 00:30:42.360 --> 00:30:43.720 He acknowledges. 00:30:45.220 --> 00:30:46.480 That he's unworthy. 00:30:46.480 --> 00:30:48.440 Of his father's name. 00:30:49.019 --> 00:30:50.620 Of being part of the family. 00:30:51.360 --> 00:30:51.839 Again. 00:30:53.319 --> 00:30:54.039 And it's like. 00:30:54.140 --> 00:30:54.860 For the first time. 00:30:55.019 --> 00:30:56.440 He sees the despicableness. 00:30:57.120 --> 00:30:58.779 Of all that he has done. 00:31:00.440 --> 00:31:01.620 The shame of it. 00:31:03.039 --> 00:31:03.940 How he took. 00:31:04.059 --> 00:31:05.200 What belonged to his father. 00:31:05.360 --> 00:31:05.759 And just. 00:31:06.059 --> 00:31:06.720 Wasted it. 00:31:06.900 --> 00:31:07.420 Shamefully. 00:31:07.480 --> 00:31:07.519 Shamefully. 00:31:07.519 --> 00:31:12.519 There's maybe. 00:31:12.720 --> 00:31:13.879 Some of the family logistics. 00:31:13.879 --> 00:31:14.900 Part of this too. 00:31:15.039 --> 00:31:15.240 I mean. 00:31:15.240 --> 00:31:16.220 He's already received. 00:31:16.220 --> 00:31:16.940 His share of. 00:31:17.059 --> 00:31:18.099 His father's estate. 00:31:18.220 --> 00:31:19.119 So in that sense. 00:31:19.119 --> 00:31:19.980 He can't become. 00:31:19.980 --> 00:31:21.079 A full son again. 00:31:22.359 --> 00:31:23.660 Not a true heir. 00:31:23.660 --> 00:31:24.259 Again. 00:31:26.420 --> 00:31:27.039 And so. 00:31:27.160 --> 00:31:27.779 In his thoughts. 00:31:27.779 --> 00:31:28.700 Of repentance. 00:31:28.700 --> 00:31:29.639 He resolves. 00:31:29.980 --> 00:31:31.539 To plead with his dad. 00:31:31.960 --> 00:31:32.960 To be hired. 00:31:33.220 --> 00:31:34.480 As one of the laborers. 00:31:37.519 --> 00:31:38.319 Think that through. 00:31:38.420 --> 00:31:38.960 For a moment. 00:31:39.960 --> 00:31:41.099 He doesn't expect. 00:31:41.099 --> 00:31:41.960 To be welcomed. 00:31:42.539 --> 00:31:42.940 Home. 00:31:43.779 --> 00:31:44.700 And to retake. 00:31:44.799 --> 00:31:45.539 His place. 00:31:45.660 --> 00:31:46.720 At the father's table. 00:31:48.440 --> 00:31:49.240 He knows. 00:31:49.299 --> 00:31:49.859 He's unworthy. 00:31:49.859 --> 00:31:50.319 Of that. 00:31:52.460 --> 00:31:53.599 He's not preparing. 00:31:54.259 --> 00:31:55.400 To go home. 00:31:56.740 --> 00:31:57.779 And have everything. 00:31:57.779 --> 00:31:58.759 As it was before. 00:32:00.379 --> 00:32:01.619 He's preparing himself. 00:32:01.619 --> 00:32:03.279 To live like the other laborers. 00:32:03.279 --> 00:32:04.220 Of his father do. 00:32:04.859 --> 00:32:06.000 To get up early. 00:32:06.160 --> 00:32:06.720 Each day. 00:32:06.720 --> 00:32:07.779 And to go to. 00:32:08.680 --> 00:32:10.000 His dad's place. 00:32:10.000 --> 00:32:10.559 For work. 00:32:13.440 --> 00:32:14.759 And so this lost son. 00:32:14.759 --> 00:32:16.259 Really has come to his senses. 00:32:17.160 --> 00:32:18.420 For the first time. 00:32:18.420 --> 00:32:19.860 He sees his sin. 00:32:19.960 --> 00:32:20.740 For what it is. 00:32:23.500 --> 00:32:24.400 Coming to. 00:32:24.620 --> 00:32:25.400 His senses. 00:32:25.400 --> 00:32:27.299 Means having a real change of heart. 00:32:29.140 --> 00:32:30.539 It means recognizing. 00:32:30.539 --> 00:32:31.980 His unworthiness. 00:32:32.539 --> 00:32:33.339 And guilt. 00:32:34.140 --> 00:32:35.079 And owning it. 00:32:36.720 --> 00:32:39.400 It means realizing. 00:32:39.400 --> 00:32:40.100 That all along. 00:32:40.180 --> 00:32:40.880 Dad was right. 00:32:41.400 --> 00:32:43.079 He was the voice of truth. 00:32:43.160 --> 00:32:43.759 And wisdom. 00:32:43.759 --> 00:32:44.240 And love. 00:32:44.299 --> 00:32:44.940 In my life. 00:32:52.059 --> 00:32:53.100 Have you had. 00:32:53.100 --> 00:32:54.660 Your big moment in life. 00:32:55.660 --> 00:32:57.220 Of coming to your senses. 00:32:57.220 --> 00:33:01.440 I'm talking about. 00:33:01.440 --> 00:33:02.920 Your relationship with God. 00:33:10.000 --> 00:33:11.420 Have you come to your senses. 00:33:14.860 --> 00:33:17.100 We all need to have a moment like this. 00:33:19.500 --> 00:33:20.420 And truthfully. 00:33:20.600 --> 00:33:21.279 Even since my. 00:33:21.500 --> 00:33:22.460 Own big. 00:33:22.860 --> 00:33:23.339 Moment. 00:33:23.460 --> 00:33:24.579 Of coming to my senses. 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:26.059 And repenting of my sins. 00:33:26.839 --> 00:33:28.379 I've had to have several more. 00:33:28.500 --> 00:33:29.559 Moments like this. 00:33:30.079 --> 00:33:30.679 Along the way. 00:33:30.759 --> 00:33:32.259 Because the madness of sin. 00:33:32.339 --> 00:33:32.740 And self. 00:33:32.899 --> 00:33:33.500 Doesn't just. 00:33:35.039 --> 00:33:35.500 Evaporate. 00:33:35.539 --> 00:33:36.879 When we start to follow Jesus. 00:33:37.879 --> 00:33:39.159 Sometimes we find ourselves. 00:33:39.259 --> 00:33:40.379 Going down that path. 00:33:40.439 --> 00:33:41.240 Away from him. 00:33:41.579 --> 00:33:42.019 Again. 00:33:42.159 --> 00:33:43.419 And we're in need of another. 00:33:43.419 --> 00:33:45.179 Moment of coming to our senses. 00:33:47.439 --> 00:33:48.639 Maybe that's even truer. 00:33:48.759 --> 00:33:49.740 To where you find yourself. 00:33:49.740 --> 00:33:50.319 This morning. 00:33:51.460 --> 00:33:52.519 Maybe you're a believer. 00:33:52.519 --> 00:33:53.980 But lately you've been stubborn. 00:33:55.460 --> 00:33:56.500 And stiff-necked. 00:33:56.680 --> 00:33:57.420 Towards God. 00:34:02.299 --> 00:34:03.639 How far away from home. 00:34:03.720 --> 00:34:04.319 Do you want to go? 00:34:07.460 --> 00:34:09.420 How low will God have to bring you? 00:34:12.759 --> 00:34:13.900 Do you want to find out. 00:34:13.940 --> 00:34:14.780 Like this young man. 00:34:14.860 --> 00:34:15.340 What it's like. 00:34:15.400 --> 00:34:16.119 At the very bottom. 00:34:20.079 --> 00:34:21.599 Or do you want to come to your senses. 00:34:21.599 --> 00:34:22.079 Now. 00:34:22.980 --> 00:34:23.980 And go home. 00:34:24.039 --> 00:34:24.659 Before you. 00:34:25.059 --> 00:34:25.739 Squander more. 00:34:30.460 --> 00:34:31.279 Another reason. 00:34:31.380 --> 00:34:32.279 I love these words. 00:34:33.420 --> 00:34:34.799 When he came to his senses. 00:34:34.799 --> 00:34:36.079 Is because those words. 00:34:36.199 --> 00:34:36.920 Fill my heart. 00:34:37.039 --> 00:34:37.519 With hope. 00:34:39.559 --> 00:34:40.440 That yes. 00:34:41.839 --> 00:34:43.119 People can change. 00:34:46.799 --> 00:34:48.400 Maybe there's someone you love. 00:34:48.400 --> 00:34:51.780 Who has been walking the path. 00:34:51.780 --> 00:34:52.680 Of this younger son. 00:34:52.760 --> 00:34:53.539 Away from God. 00:34:56.440 --> 00:34:57.360 And it's hard. 00:34:57.480 --> 00:34:57.880 Isn't it? 00:34:59.000 --> 00:35:01.039 To watch people spiral down. 00:35:02.320 --> 00:35:03.579 And self-destruct. 00:35:04.180 --> 00:35:05.519 By their own choices. 00:35:07.280 --> 00:35:08.840 But people can have. 00:35:09.000 --> 00:35:10.200 A real change of heart. 00:35:12.500 --> 00:35:13.320 We can. 00:35:13.860 --> 00:35:14.800 Have that moment. 00:35:14.800 --> 00:35:16.079 Where we come to our senses. 00:35:16.079 --> 00:35:19.380 This is what the Pharisees. 00:35:19.460 --> 00:35:20.420 And the teachers of the law. 00:35:20.480 --> 00:35:21.380 Need to hear from this. 00:35:21.480 --> 00:35:23.319 This is why Jesus spends time. 00:35:23.420 --> 00:35:24.400 With the tax collectors. 00:35:24.400 --> 00:35:25.219 And the sinners. 00:35:26.059 --> 00:35:28.239 Because they are like lost sons to him. 00:35:28.559 --> 00:35:30.679 And God hasn't written them off. 00:35:33.960 --> 00:35:36.699 He desires that they would repent. 00:35:37.219 --> 00:35:38.659 And come to their senses. 00:35:38.819 --> 00:35:39.699 He loves them. 00:35:39.699 --> 00:35:43.679 And some of them are. 00:35:45.059 --> 00:35:46.119 Men like Levi. 00:35:46.759 --> 00:35:47.460 And later on. 00:35:47.559 --> 00:35:48.480 We'll see Zacchaeus. 00:35:48.759 --> 00:35:49.559 And others. 00:35:49.980 --> 00:35:52.039 Leave their lives of sin. 00:35:52.699 --> 00:35:53.839 And follow Jesus. 00:35:54.239 --> 00:35:55.559 God really can change. 00:35:55.599 --> 00:35:56.439 A person's heart. 00:36:00.480 --> 00:36:01.719 And even though a fool. 00:36:01.859 --> 00:36:02.819 Is bent on folly. 00:36:02.919 --> 00:36:03.739 And returns to it. 00:36:03.779 --> 00:36:05.059 Over and over and over again. 00:36:05.159 --> 00:36:07.219 The cycle can be broken. 00:36:07.219 --> 00:36:09.980 And we can come to our senses. 00:36:15.899 --> 00:36:16.879 We've got to keep going. 00:36:16.919 --> 00:36:17.699 Or we're not going to make it. 00:36:17.719 --> 00:36:18.799 To the end of the parable here. 00:36:19.000 --> 00:36:19.119 So. 00:36:20.039 --> 00:36:20.659 The son. 00:36:20.939 --> 00:36:21.959 After coming to his senses. 00:36:22.119 --> 00:36:22.559 Gets up. 00:36:22.619 --> 00:36:24.199 He goes back to his home country. 00:36:24.199 --> 00:36:25.239 To see his father. 00:36:26.519 --> 00:36:28.139 And these words of verse 20. 00:36:28.219 --> 00:36:29.239 Are precious as well. 00:36:31.019 --> 00:36:33.000 While he was still a long way off. 00:36:33.039 --> 00:36:34.219 His father saw him. 00:36:34.219 --> 00:36:37.019 And was filled with compassion for him. 00:36:37.219 --> 00:36:39.319 He ran to his son. 00:36:39.619 --> 00:36:41.399 Threw his arms around him. 00:36:41.619 --> 00:36:42.739 And kissed him. 00:36:45.139 --> 00:36:46.919 I think that says it pretty well. 00:36:46.919 --> 00:36:47.439 Doesn't it? 00:36:48.879 --> 00:36:51.179 How God feels in his heart. 00:36:51.259 --> 00:36:52.159 Towards us. 00:36:53.459 --> 00:36:54.379 Even though. 00:36:54.699 --> 00:36:56.379 We have all sinned so much. 00:36:57.239 --> 00:36:58.399 And blown it big time. 00:36:58.400 --> 00:37:01.599 He is not cold. 00:37:02.320 --> 00:37:03.680 He is not distant. 00:37:03.860 --> 00:37:04.400 He is not angry. 00:37:05.660 --> 00:37:06.639 And ready to. 00:37:06.860 --> 00:37:08.619 Give us a verbal smack down. 00:37:08.720 --> 00:37:10.240 For being such sinful fools. 00:37:10.420 --> 00:37:11.900 He is filled with compassion. 00:37:15.180 --> 00:37:16.800 And he runs to us. 00:37:18.599 --> 00:37:20.180 He embraces us. 00:37:20.179 --> 00:37:24.419 Is that your conception of God? 00:37:26.419 --> 00:37:29.159 A father who runs towards sinful sons. 00:37:29.159 --> 00:37:29.859 And daughters. 00:37:30.079 --> 00:37:31.480 With tears in his eyes. 00:37:31.779 --> 00:37:33.460 And arms open wide. 00:37:39.460 --> 00:37:42.299 The son makes his well rehearsed confession. 00:37:43.159 --> 00:37:43.719 Father. 00:37:43.879 --> 00:37:44.940 I have sinned against heaven. 00:37:45.000 --> 00:37:45.599 And against you. 00:37:45.599 --> 00:37:46.699 I am no longer worthy. 00:37:46.699 --> 00:37:47.819 To be called your son. 00:37:49.819 --> 00:37:52.139 And it seems the apology is accepted. 00:37:53.259 --> 00:37:54.819 The father doesn't say a word. 00:37:54.960 --> 00:37:55.659 About any. 00:37:56.059 --> 00:37:57.319 Of what the son has done. 00:37:58.019 --> 00:37:59.360 He shows that he is ready. 00:37:59.440 --> 00:38:00.659 To forgive him fully. 00:38:01.860 --> 00:38:02.299 Instantly. 00:38:02.860 --> 00:38:04.519 Because the next thing out of his mouth. 00:38:04.639 --> 00:38:05.860 Is orders for the servant. 00:38:06.519 --> 00:38:07.759 To go get the robe. 00:38:08.199 --> 00:38:08.920 And the ring. 00:38:09.339 --> 00:38:10.940 And sandals for his feet. 00:38:11.139 --> 00:38:12.719 And kill that fattened calf. 00:38:12.719 --> 00:38:14.779 We are having a feast. 00:38:19.519 --> 00:38:21.359 The father begins treating him. 00:38:21.599 --> 00:38:22.299 As a son. 00:38:24.039 --> 00:38:24.559 Immediately. 00:38:25.679 --> 00:38:27.219 He is fully forgiven. 00:38:33.319 --> 00:38:34.480 Let's have a feast. 00:38:34.719 --> 00:38:35.379 And celebrate. 00:38:35.719 --> 00:38:37.179 For this son of mine was dead. 00:38:37.799 --> 00:38:39.199 And is alive again. 00:38:39.779 --> 00:38:40.899 He was lost. 00:38:41.099 --> 00:38:41.759 And is found. 00:38:41.760 --> 00:38:43.760 So they began to celebrate. 00:38:47.120 --> 00:38:48.440 This is the heart of God. 00:38:48.500 --> 00:38:49.220 Towards sinners. 00:38:49.620 --> 00:38:50.380 Like you and me. 00:38:51.080 --> 00:38:52.280 He loves us dearly. 00:38:52.360 --> 00:38:53.600 He is filled with compassion. 00:38:53.880 --> 00:38:55.520 And his heart doesn't rest. 00:38:55.660 --> 00:38:56.880 While we are lost to him. 00:38:58.000 --> 00:38:59.520 His heart rejoices. 00:38:59.640 --> 00:39:01.400 Far beyond what we can imagine. 00:39:01.940 --> 00:39:03.140 When even one of us. 00:39:03.300 --> 00:39:04.520 Comes to our senses. 00:39:04.720 --> 00:39:05.480 And comes home. 00:39:09.080 --> 00:39:09.480 Again. 00:39:09.580 --> 00:39:10.700 Let me ask you that question. 00:39:10.699 --> 00:39:12.199 In your relationship with God. 00:39:12.279 --> 00:39:14.000 Have you come to your senses? 00:39:16.679 --> 00:39:17.799 Have you come home? 00:39:20.179 --> 00:39:21.019 And if not. 00:39:21.119 --> 00:39:22.019 What are you waiting for? 00:39:25.159 --> 00:39:26.859 There's nothing but rock bottom. 00:39:26.859 --> 00:39:27.519 Ahead of you. 00:39:29.339 --> 00:39:30.199 Until you do. 00:39:30.199 --> 00:39:40.239 The parable keeps going. 00:39:40.799 --> 00:39:42.259 It feels like it could end here. 00:39:42.379 --> 00:39:43.359 And it should end here. 00:39:43.460 --> 00:39:44.319 But it keeps going. 00:39:44.960 --> 00:39:47.319 The rest is about the older brother. 00:39:47.320 --> 00:39:50.920 And when the older brother. 00:39:51.920 --> 00:39:53.340 Hears of what's happened. 00:39:53.660 --> 00:39:56.700 That his father has welcomed the youngest son back into. 00:39:58.300 --> 00:39:59.180 The family. 00:39:59.500 --> 00:40:01.180 And has killed the fattened calf for him. 00:40:01.380 --> 00:40:03.080 We hear his response is anger. 00:40:04.680 --> 00:40:06.860 And he refuses to go into the banquet. 00:40:06.860 --> 00:40:10.420 And so the father goes out to plead with him. 00:40:11.019 --> 00:40:11.760 Come in. 00:40:12.900 --> 00:40:14.220 Join in the celebration. 00:40:16.120 --> 00:40:17.019 And the oldest. 00:40:17.280 --> 00:40:19.480 The older son's words are telling. 00:40:20.820 --> 00:40:23.740 He sees himself as never having done anything wrong. 00:40:24.500 --> 00:40:26.460 I've never disobeyed your orders. 00:40:26.460 --> 00:40:31.380 He sees himself as having slaved for his father. 00:40:32.159 --> 00:40:34.480 And he sees his father as stingy. 00:40:34.900 --> 00:40:35.900 And withholding. 00:40:37.240 --> 00:40:39.000 You never even gave me a young goat. 00:40:39.099 --> 00:40:40.920 So I could celebrate with my friends. 00:40:43.079 --> 00:40:44.780 He goes even further. 00:40:44.920 --> 00:40:47.280 And he names the sins of the younger brother. 00:40:47.380 --> 00:40:49.900 We don't know if word came that he heard. 00:40:49.900 --> 00:40:51.460 What the younger brother had been doing. 00:40:53.300 --> 00:40:54.300 When this son of yours. 00:40:54.460 --> 00:40:55.880 Who has squandered your property. 00:40:55.880 --> 00:40:57.660 With prostitutes comes home. 00:40:57.780 --> 00:40:59.660 You kill the fattened calf for him. 00:41:03.300 --> 00:41:05.200 Jesus is speaking very powerfully. 00:41:05.300 --> 00:41:06.820 To the Pharisees with these words. 00:41:08.480 --> 00:41:09.880 Like this older brother. 00:41:10.019 --> 00:41:11.240 They are self-righteous. 00:41:12.980 --> 00:41:15.660 They see themselves as having lived perfectly. 00:41:16.660 --> 00:41:17.660 In comparison. 00:41:18.300 --> 00:41:19.059 To the sinners. 00:41:20.760 --> 00:41:22.380 You can hear the disdain. 00:41:22.460 --> 00:41:23.180 And the disgust. 00:41:23.280 --> 00:41:24.860 In the older brother's words. 00:41:24.980 --> 00:41:25.720 Towards his. 00:41:25.880 --> 00:41:26.559 Younger brother. 00:41:26.559 --> 00:41:27.559 Who has come home. 00:41:27.660 --> 00:41:27.820 He. 00:41:27.940 --> 00:41:30.260 He doesn't deserve to be welcomed back. 00:41:31.579 --> 00:41:33.800 He doesn't deserve the fattened calf. 00:41:36.539 --> 00:41:37.480 And it's true. 00:41:37.820 --> 00:41:38.539 He doesn't. 00:41:39.740 --> 00:41:41.500 But it's also self-righteous. 00:41:41.660 --> 00:41:42.140 And proud. 00:41:43.500 --> 00:41:44.800 There's no compassion. 00:41:45.480 --> 00:41:46.599 There's no love. 00:41:46.860 --> 00:41:47.980 In the Pharisees. 00:41:47.980 --> 00:41:48.579 In the hearts. 00:41:48.579 --> 00:41:48.599 In the hearts. 00:41:48.599 --> 00:41:49.519 In the hearts. 00:41:49.519 --> 00:41:50.099 In the hearts of the teachers. 00:41:50.099 --> 00:41:50.679 Of the law. 00:41:53.059 --> 00:41:54.579 And yet I love how the father. 00:41:54.579 --> 00:41:55.880 Pleads with them as well. 00:41:57.760 --> 00:41:58.500 To come. 00:42:01.699 --> 00:42:02.780 As I said before. 00:42:02.920 --> 00:42:04.400 We have all sinned. 00:42:04.760 --> 00:42:06.159 Some in very obvious. 00:42:06.159 --> 00:42:07.260 And dramatic ways. 00:42:07.599 --> 00:42:08.980 Others like the Pharisees. 00:42:08.980 --> 00:42:11.280 In the religious hypocrisy. 00:42:11.280 --> 00:42:13.840 And self-righteous sort of ways. 00:42:13.840 --> 00:42:16.220 But God's love goes out the same. 00:42:16.780 --> 00:42:17.579 To both. 00:42:18.220 --> 00:42:19.260 He invites both. 00:42:19.519 --> 00:42:20.440 To his table. 00:42:22.120 --> 00:42:23.120 Maybe you're here. 00:42:23.180 --> 00:42:25.079 And you identify more with the older brother. 00:42:25.640 --> 00:42:26.920 Than the younger brother. 00:42:26.920 --> 00:42:30.200 Maybe you never had a time. 00:42:30.280 --> 00:42:31.639 Of squandering everything. 00:42:31.820 --> 00:42:33.000 And running away from God. 00:42:33.260 --> 00:42:34.360 That you can remember. 00:42:35.680 --> 00:42:37.340 And have been a pretty good person. 00:42:39.099 --> 00:42:40.480 Especially compared to others. 00:42:42.240 --> 00:42:43.639 Do you see the older brother. 00:42:44.000 --> 00:42:44.619 In yourself. 00:42:51.860 --> 00:42:53.079 These words of Jesus. 00:42:53.559 --> 00:42:54.500 Are precious. 00:42:54.500 --> 00:42:57.619 They speak of God's great compassion. 00:42:58.340 --> 00:42:59.460 And love for us. 00:43:00.400 --> 00:43:03.420 They tell us that we are on his heart. 00:43:04.019 --> 00:43:05.179 Until we are found. 00:43:06.579 --> 00:43:08.219 They tell us that he is eager. 00:43:08.400 --> 00:43:10.480 To forgive us of all of our sins. 00:43:12.320 --> 00:43:13.820 And they tell us that even though. 00:43:13.960 --> 00:43:14.719 We are unworthy. 00:43:15.960 --> 00:43:17.019 God is willing. 00:43:17.380 --> 00:43:19.920 To welcome us back into relationship with him. 00:43:20.960 --> 00:43:22.119 Back into the family. 00:43:22.300 --> 00:43:23.639 Not just as hired help. 00:43:24.500 --> 00:43:25.960 But as beloved sons. 00:43:26.559 --> 00:43:27.159 And daughters. 00:43:27.739 --> 00:43:28.840 This is the gospel. 00:43:29.400 --> 00:43:30.539 This is the good news. 00:43:30.860 --> 00:43:31.519 Of God. 00:43:32.119 --> 00:43:34.039 And as we gather in our homes today. 00:43:34.280 --> 00:43:35.699 And tomorrow. 00:43:36.699 --> 00:43:38.119 To give thanks to God. 00:43:38.179 --> 00:43:38.820 This Thanksgiving. 00:43:39.320 --> 00:43:40.440 May this truth. 00:43:40.800 --> 00:43:42.280 Of God's love for us. 00:43:42.420 --> 00:43:43.739 His lavish love. 00:43:44.739 --> 00:43:46.940 Be the first thing that we give thanks for. 00:43:46.940 --> 00:43:47.539 Father. 00:43:47.539 --> 00:43:47.539 00:43:47.539 --> 00:43:50.639 Let's kill the fattened turkey. 00:43:50.840 --> 00:43:51.240 Or whatever. 00:43:51.500 --> 00:43:52.440 You like to eat. 00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:53.200 And celebrate. 00:43:53.960 --> 00:43:55.539 Because though we were lost. 00:43:56.039 --> 00:43:57.159 We have been found. 00:43:59.280 --> 00:44:00.019 Let's pray. 00:44:04.400 --> 00:44:05.200 Lord Jesus. 00:44:05.340 --> 00:44:06.119 Thank you for your. 00:44:06.639 --> 00:44:07.740 Grace and mercy. 00:44:08.280 --> 00:44:08.760 Father. 00:44:08.900 --> 00:44:09.599 Thank you that. 00:44:10.340 --> 00:44:10.980 You are willing. 00:44:11.320 --> 00:44:12.920 To put everything we have done. 00:44:13.220 --> 00:44:14.059 In the past. 00:44:14.059 --> 00:44:15.179 Aside. 00:44:16.119 --> 00:44:17.400 You accomplish that. 00:44:17.519 --> 00:44:18.119 Through your son. 00:44:18.360 --> 00:44:19.239 And his death. 00:44:19.719 --> 00:44:21.059 He bled for us. 00:44:23.840 --> 00:44:25.719 And it's as though we have a clean slate. 00:44:25.719 --> 00:44:26.400 Before you. 00:44:30.000 --> 00:44:30.440 Lord. 00:44:30.519 --> 00:44:31.059 We think of. 00:44:32.259 --> 00:44:33.860 Especially around this time of year. 00:44:33.960 --> 00:44:34.739 Those in our lives. 00:44:34.820 --> 00:44:35.219 We love. 00:44:35.400 --> 00:44:35.519 Who. 00:44:35.759 --> 00:44:37.460 Haven't come to their senses yet. 00:44:37.460 --> 00:44:40.800 Please work in their hearts. 00:44:42.420 --> 00:44:44.179 Help them to see their need for you. 00:44:45.300 --> 00:44:46.300 And bring them home. 00:44:48.079 --> 00:44:49.220 Pray this in your name. 00:44:50.220 --> 00:44:50.539 Amen.