WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.540 Some may accept poor treatment and avoid confrontation. 00:00:07.320 --> 00:00:11.599 ! In the workplace, a person might laugh at jokes that they dislike just to fit in. 00:00:11.599 --> 00:00:17.640 ! In families, someone might hide their true self out of fear of rejection. 00:00:17.640 --> 00:00:23.199 ! At school, students sometimes agree with things they don't believe or join in unkind behavior, 00:00:24.400 --> 00:00:25.199 desperate to belong. 00:00:25.199 --> 00:00:31.759 Others move far away from home and change how they talk or act so they don't stand out. 00:00:33.240 --> 00:00:37.480 These are ways people lose pieces of themselves, large or small, just for belonging. 00:00:38.899 --> 00:00:43.920 With all these sacrifices for acceptance, we might wonder, will God accept us? 00:00:44.640 --> 00:00:45.939 Is he an accepting God? 00:00:47.280 --> 00:00:50.799 Well, we learn what God is like from what God does. 00:00:50.799 --> 00:00:55.500 And Jesus illustrates with three parables. 00:00:57.059 --> 00:01:01.099 In the beginning of the chapter, the tax collectors and sinners draw near to Christ. 00:01:02.420 --> 00:01:04.319 The Pharisees complain about this, saying, 00:01:04.840 --> 00:01:07.060 This man receives sinners and eats with them. 00:01:08.519 --> 00:01:09.840 What is their complaint? 00:01:10.979 --> 00:01:14.679 That they believe that the holy should separate from the tainted. 00:01:15.560 --> 00:01:17.759 Why would God's prophet eat with sinners? 00:01:17.760 --> 00:01:20.700 Jesus' counter? 00:01:22.160 --> 00:01:25.700 He gives the parables as a demonstration of why he can eat with sinners. 00:01:28.200 --> 00:01:32.960 And he uses the examples given to urge his disciples to honor even the weak. 00:01:34.300 --> 00:01:36.300 He came from heaven to save all. 00:01:37.080 --> 00:01:38.240 Even the lost and broken. 00:01:38.460 --> 00:01:40.520 Even the outsiders, which the Pharisees hate. 00:01:41.460 --> 00:01:43.680 We too should value others for Christ's sake. 00:01:43.680 --> 00:01:49.840 It makes no sense at all for us to look down on people whom the Son of God has held so high. 00:01:50.520 --> 00:01:56.160 And even these weaker ones have flaws that might make them easy to scorn from the Pharisees' perspective. 00:01:57.260 --> 00:01:59.780 But our pride will not be forgiven on that account. 00:02:00.900 --> 00:02:05.920 We should value them not because of how worthy their virtues are, but for the sake of Christ. 00:02:06.880 --> 00:02:09.580 And he who will not follow Christ's example is proud. 00:02:10.600 --> 00:02:12.240 This is what the Pharisees are doing. 00:02:12.240 --> 00:02:15.719 We all need grace. 00:02:16.659 --> 00:02:18.780 Each of us is broken and called to holiness. 00:02:19.400 --> 00:02:22.080 We need mercy and a call to follow God. 00:02:23.020 --> 00:02:24.960 We should rejoice when the lost return. 00:02:25.180 --> 00:02:27.740 Like someone rejoicing over finding something lost. 00:02:27.980 --> 00:02:29.140 Like a sheep or a coin. 00:02:30.400 --> 00:02:32.400 This is what the Pharisees ought to do. 00:02:33.020 --> 00:02:35.400 And that is the reason for Jesus' parables. 00:02:35.400 --> 00:02:43.819 And the first main point of these parables, or our first main point, is that God rejoices when he finds sinners. 00:02:44.819 --> 00:02:47.580 Because it has changed from death to life. 00:02:47.580 --> 00:03:01.640 Jesus tells us that the point of the two earlier parables about the lost sheep and coin is to show that there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who do not need to repent. 00:03:01.639 --> 00:03:08.619 So first we'll answer, why is there more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents? 00:03:09.619 --> 00:03:15.559 Both the perseverance of Christians in faith and the new conversion show God's glory and grace. 00:03:15.560 --> 00:03:24.960 But the difference could be that repentance, which turns someone from a completely broken life of suffering under sin, is hard. 00:03:26.439 --> 00:03:33.480 Those of you who already have faith must groan under the weaknesses of your flesh and labor to correct them. 00:03:34.699 --> 00:03:43.460 But those who haven't yet been granted faith in Christ will have to reverse every weakness, every love, and every affection that is not touched by the grace of God. 00:03:43.460 --> 00:03:47.420 It's hard to completely reverse course. 00:03:49.000 --> 00:03:55.900 Sometimes you'll hear people ask, if we're just meant to believe in God, if that's the point, why doesn't he make it easier? 00:03:56.280 --> 00:03:58.379 Or why doesn't he just show himself to us? 00:03:59.879 --> 00:04:09.740 Apart from the fact that seeing isn't believing, thinking about God being real is not a very good image of what conversion and repentance really is. 00:04:09.740 --> 00:04:14.100 We don't just see evidence to truly believe. 00:04:15.100 --> 00:04:17.480 To truly get it, you have to die. 00:04:18.579 --> 00:04:22.920 You have to be buried with Christ on the cross and be raised with him. 00:04:23.960 --> 00:04:26.340 You have to be refined like gold in a furnace. 00:04:27.220 --> 00:04:28.519 You have to deny yourself. 00:04:28.519 --> 00:04:31.759 This is union with Christ. 00:04:32.439 --> 00:04:41.779 What happened to Jesus historically, in dying, being buried, and being raised again, becomes true of you spiritually the moment you believe. 00:04:43.219 --> 00:04:46.019 Your old sinful nature is not reformed. 00:04:46.159 --> 00:04:47.099 It's executed. 00:04:48.339 --> 00:04:53.979 Sins, legal power, and grit break because a dead person cannot be enslaved or condemned. 00:04:55.579 --> 00:04:56.799 It's not easy. 00:04:56.800 --> 00:04:59.780 This is why there is rejoicing. 00:05:01.220 --> 00:05:04.100 In jumping ahead a bit, as we have read, the Father will say, 00:05:05.480 --> 00:05:07.620 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again. 00:05:08.259 --> 00:05:09.620 He was lost and is found. 00:05:10.920 --> 00:05:17.160 In the same way, God does not receive you on the basis of your reformed record or partial reformation. 00:05:17.819 --> 00:05:23.080 He accepts you fully and joyfully the moment you come home in faith and repentance. 00:05:23.079 --> 00:05:27.560 Because in Christ, your old self has already died. 00:05:28.359 --> 00:05:34.099 And you now stand before him as a beloved son or daughter, clothed in the righteousness of Christ. 00:05:35.240 --> 00:05:37.300 Welcome to the table with celebration. 00:05:38.879 --> 00:05:48.319 The cross puts to death the old you, so that the Father can run to embrace you without hesitation or condition. 00:05:48.319 --> 00:05:54.599 So we see why God rejoices when he finds sinners. 00:05:55.300 --> 00:05:57.180 Because it's a change from death to life. 00:05:57.180 --> 00:06:02.939 We have then the parable of the prodigal son or the story. 00:06:04.240 --> 00:06:07.879 It might be called the story of the wasteful son or the lost son. 00:06:09.340 --> 00:06:13.560 And it differs from the other two parables by having the older brother react to the finding. 00:06:13.560 --> 00:06:20.579 This parable confirms the demonstration of heaven's joy at the restoration of sinners. 00:06:21.480 --> 00:06:24.379 In the first half, it reveals how readily God pardons. 00:06:25.040 --> 00:06:31.060 And in the second half, highlights the wickedness and stubbornness of those who grumble at his compassion. 00:06:32.480 --> 00:06:36.439 In other words, our second point is that you can find acceptance in God 00:06:36.439 --> 00:06:40.480 because he is unmeasurably quick to forgive those who have faith in him. 00:06:40.480 --> 00:06:45.560 And our third point will be that you can find acceptance among God's people 00:06:45.560 --> 00:06:50.740 since we have been warned by God to be as compassionate as he is. 00:06:52.300 --> 00:06:53.439 So the second point. 00:06:53.800 --> 00:06:55.840 Christ shows you that you can find acceptance in God 00:06:55.840 --> 00:06:58.720 because he is immeasurably quick to forgive those who have faith in him. 00:07:00.100 --> 00:07:01.500 How does Christ do this? 00:07:01.980 --> 00:07:04.240 In the person of a young reckless spender 00:07:04.240 --> 00:07:08.460 who, having been bought from the deepest poverty by luxury and wastefulness, 00:07:08.459 --> 00:07:10.719 returns as a beggar to his father, 00:07:11.560 --> 00:07:14.299 to whom he had been disobedient and rebellious. 00:07:15.439 --> 00:07:18.560 Christ describes all sinners who, exhausted by their foolishness, 00:07:18.899 --> 00:07:20.079 turn to the grace of God. 00:07:21.599 --> 00:07:23.620 He compares God to the kind father 00:07:23.620 --> 00:07:26.079 who not only pardons the crimes of his son, 00:07:26.659 --> 00:07:30.319 but on his own accord, meets him when returning. 00:07:31.539 --> 00:07:35.439 God who is not satisfied with pardoning those who pray to him, 00:07:35.439 --> 00:07:39.680 but even comes forward to meet them with the compassion of a father. 00:07:40.980 --> 00:07:41.879 So verse 11. 00:07:42.680 --> 00:07:43.560 Jesus continued. 00:07:44.719 --> 00:07:46.240 There was a man who had two sons. 00:07:46.839 --> 00:07:48.220 The younger one said to his father, 00:07:48.620 --> 00:07:50.439 Father, give me the share of my estate. 00:07:50.879 --> 00:07:52.779 So he divided his property between them. 00:07:53.899 --> 00:07:55.019 Not many days later, 00:07:55.420 --> 00:07:56.899 the younger son gathered all he had 00:07:56.899 --> 00:07:59.079 and took a journey into a far country 00:07:59.079 --> 00:08:01.779 where he squandered his property in reckless living. 00:08:03.319 --> 00:08:05.979 The younger son here hopes to leave his father. 00:08:06.859 --> 00:08:09.139 He hopes to live in a life of hedonism. 00:08:10.259 --> 00:08:13.839 He sets his sights far away from continuing to work for his father 00:08:13.839 --> 00:08:17.180 and goes to a place where he is not seen. 00:08:18.120 --> 00:08:20.399 He doesn't stay and spend the money there. 00:08:20.959 --> 00:08:21.659 He leaves. 00:08:21.660 --> 00:08:25.120 And what does he do with the cash 00:08:25.120 --> 00:08:28.000 from selling the inheritance which his father had given him? 00:08:29.100 --> 00:08:30.320 He squanders it. 00:08:30.840 --> 00:08:33.560 He is reckless with everything that he has. 00:08:34.779 --> 00:08:38.180 After this, he deserves no forgiveness from his father. 00:08:39.840 --> 00:08:40.759 Verse 14. 00:08:41.399 --> 00:08:42.580 After he had spent everything, 00:08:42.759 --> 00:08:44.680 there was a severe famine in the whole country 00:08:44.680 --> 00:08:46.279 and he began to be in need. 00:08:46.279 --> 00:08:50.259 So he went and hired himself out 00:08:50.259 --> 00:08:51.939 to a citizen of that country 00:08:51.939 --> 00:08:54.539 who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 00:08:55.519 --> 00:08:57.019 He longed to fill his stomach 00:08:57.019 --> 00:08:58.459 with the pods that the pigs were eating, 00:08:58.980 --> 00:09:00.419 but no one gave him anything. 00:09:02.379 --> 00:09:04.439 He will realize that there is no safety 00:09:04.439 --> 00:09:05.360 apart from his father. 00:09:06.559 --> 00:09:07.559 Since he is reckless, 00:09:08.220 --> 00:09:11.220 the evil of the world brings him to starvation. 00:09:12.699 --> 00:09:14.539 Do we lack the judgment and wisdom 00:09:14.539 --> 00:09:15.699 to rule our own lives? 00:09:16.279 --> 00:09:18.439 Do we have healthy fear or shame 00:09:18.439 --> 00:09:20.220 to hold us back from our base desires? 00:09:21.579 --> 00:09:22.839 Without God's grace, 00:09:23.120 --> 00:09:25.579 we head towards whatever our sinful desires 00:09:25.579 --> 00:09:26.419 would point us to. 00:09:27.039 --> 00:09:29.399 We rush headlong into spiritual poverty. 00:09:31.939 --> 00:09:34.240 Like the son being far away from his father, 00:09:34.699 --> 00:09:36.339 he is left to waste away in hunger. 00:09:37.319 --> 00:09:40.019 He has eaten up his own wealth in piggish gluttony 00:09:40.019 --> 00:09:42.100 and now becomes the friend of pigs. 00:09:43.539 --> 00:09:44.500 The Pharisees, 00:09:44.659 --> 00:09:45.959 listening to this illustration, 00:09:45.960 --> 00:09:48.120 will understand it as a terrible image 00:09:48.120 --> 00:09:49.259 of their worst nightmare, 00:09:49.860 --> 00:09:52.200 the complete spiritual destitution 00:09:52.200 --> 00:09:54.519 of an Israelite who does not eat pork, 00:09:54.780 --> 00:09:55.720 let alone eat with food. 00:09:57.160 --> 00:09:59.620 He finds no love or acceptance in the world either. 00:10:00.200 --> 00:10:02.340 He can transact with people and work for them, 00:10:02.660 --> 00:10:04.019 but he finds no charity. 00:10:05.360 --> 00:10:07.480 And he has given up the bread of his own house 00:10:07.480 --> 00:10:09.480 for the slop of reckless living. 00:10:11.639 --> 00:10:12.500 Verse 17, 00:10:12.860 --> 00:10:14.500 when he came to his senses, 00:10:14.639 --> 00:10:15.060 he said, 00:10:15.560 --> 00:10:17.659 how many of my father's hired servants 00:10:17.659 --> 00:10:18.500 have food to spare? 00:10:18.899 --> 00:10:20.659 And here I am starving to death. 00:10:21.620 --> 00:10:22.600 I will set out 00:10:22.600 --> 00:10:23.980 and go back to my father 00:10:23.980 --> 00:10:24.779 and say to him, 00:10:25.039 --> 00:10:25.440 father, 00:10:25.560 --> 00:10:26.740 I have sinned against heaven 00:10:26.740 --> 00:10:27.480 and against you. 00:10:27.820 --> 00:10:28.940 I am no longer worthy 00:10:28.940 --> 00:10:29.899 to be called your son. 00:10:30.659 --> 00:10:32.320 Make me like one of your hired servants. 00:10:32.320 --> 00:10:33.720 So he got up 00:10:33.720 --> 00:10:34.720 and went to his father. 00:10:36.120 --> 00:10:37.000 The practical 00:10:37.000 --> 00:10:38.280 and spiritual meaning 00:10:38.280 --> 00:10:38.879 of the parable 00:10:38.879 --> 00:10:40.540 begin to converge here 00:10:40.540 --> 00:10:41.640 because the son 00:10:41.640 --> 00:10:42.440 is repentant 00:10:42.440 --> 00:10:43.080 to his father 00:10:43.080 --> 00:10:43.860 and to heaven. 00:10:45.480 --> 00:10:46.640 And we see here 00:10:46.640 --> 00:10:47.960 how God calls people 00:10:47.960 --> 00:10:48.500 to repentance. 00:10:49.940 --> 00:10:50.920 If we were wise 00:10:50.920 --> 00:10:51.440 on our own 00:10:51.440 --> 00:10:52.400 and willingly submitted 00:10:52.400 --> 00:10:52.860 to him, 00:10:53.360 --> 00:10:54.379 he would draw us gently. 00:10:54.379 --> 00:10:56.939 But because we never bow 00:10:56.939 --> 00:10:57.500 in obedience 00:10:57.500 --> 00:10:58.679 until we've been humbled 00:10:58.679 --> 00:11:00.179 by hardship, 00:11:00.700 --> 00:11:02.299 he often has to discipline us. 00:11:03.779 --> 00:11:04.759 For this young man 00:11:04.759 --> 00:11:05.600 who had grown wild 00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:06.220 and rebellious 00:11:06.220 --> 00:11:07.019 because of his wealth, 00:11:07.480 --> 00:11:08.279 hunger turned out 00:11:08.279 --> 00:11:09.340 to be the best teacher. 00:11:10.740 --> 00:11:11.580 From this example, 00:11:11.919 --> 00:11:12.439 we should learn 00:11:12.439 --> 00:11:13.259 not to think of God 00:11:13.259 --> 00:11:14.000 as being cruel 00:11:14.000 --> 00:11:16.840 when he sends us 00:11:16.840 --> 00:11:17.379 heavy troubles. 00:11:18.919 --> 00:11:19.840 Those who are stubborn 00:11:19.840 --> 00:11:20.799 and drunk with pleasure 00:11:20.799 --> 00:11:21.580 are taught by him 00:11:21.580 --> 00:11:22.519 to become obedient. 00:11:22.519 --> 00:11:25.079 All miseries we go through 00:11:25.079 --> 00:11:25.980 are a useful call 00:11:25.980 --> 00:11:26.500 to repentance. 00:11:28.399 --> 00:11:29.399 Because we are slow 00:11:29.399 --> 00:11:29.879 to learn, 00:11:30.220 --> 00:11:30.879 we hardly ever 00:11:30.879 --> 00:11:31.879 come to our senses 00:11:31.879 --> 00:11:33.159 unless we are driven 00:11:33.159 --> 00:11:34.460 by extreme distress. 00:11:35.939 --> 00:11:36.919 Until we are pressed 00:11:36.919 --> 00:11:37.819 on every side 00:11:37.819 --> 00:11:39.379 and feel utterly hopeless, 00:11:39.919 --> 00:11:40.980 our sinful nature 00:11:40.980 --> 00:11:42.379 keeps on enjoying itself 00:11:42.379 --> 00:11:43.720 or at least pulls back 00:11:43.720 --> 00:11:44.340 from change 00:11:44.340 --> 00:11:44.899 and repentance. 00:11:46.259 --> 00:11:46.960 From this, 00:11:47.139 --> 00:11:47.600 we can see 00:11:47.600 --> 00:11:48.519 that there is no reason 00:11:48.519 --> 00:11:49.319 to be surprised 00:11:49.319 --> 00:11:50.120 if the Lord 00:11:50.120 --> 00:11:51.159 often uses strong, 00:11:51.319 --> 00:11:52.439 even repeated blows 00:11:52.440 --> 00:11:54.020 to break our stubbornness, 00:11:54.940 --> 00:11:56.400 like leading a sharp axe 00:11:56.400 --> 00:11:57.040 to chop down 00:11:57.040 --> 00:11:57.700 a tough tree. 00:11:59.440 --> 00:12:00.640 It's also worth noting 00:12:00.640 --> 00:12:01.260 that the hope 00:12:01.260 --> 00:12:02.340 of being better off 00:12:02.340 --> 00:12:03.400 if he returned 00:12:03.400 --> 00:12:03.940 to his father 00:12:03.940 --> 00:12:05.000 gave this young man 00:12:05.000 --> 00:12:06.220 courage to repent. 00:12:07.580 --> 00:12:08.960 No amount of punishment 00:12:08.960 --> 00:12:09.720 by itself 00:12:09.720 --> 00:12:11.000 will soften our hard hearts 00:12:11.000 --> 00:12:12.360 or make us truly sorry 00:12:12.360 --> 00:12:12.940 for the sins 00:12:12.940 --> 00:12:13.720 which we have committed 00:12:13.720 --> 00:12:16.380 until we see 00:12:16.380 --> 00:12:17.300 some hope of good 00:12:17.300 --> 00:12:18.120 coming from it. 00:12:18.120 --> 00:12:20.960 just as this young man 00:12:20.960 --> 00:12:22.159 moved by trust 00:12:22.159 --> 00:12:23.500 in his father's kindness 00:12:23.500 --> 00:12:24.879 sought reconciliation, 00:12:25.620 --> 00:12:26.220 so the beginning 00:12:26.220 --> 00:12:27.080 of our repentance 00:12:27.080 --> 00:12:28.120 must be a belief 00:12:28.120 --> 00:12:29.060 in God's mercy 00:12:29.060 --> 00:12:30.440 that stirs 00:12:30.440 --> 00:12:31.679 hopeful expectations 00:12:31.679 --> 00:12:32.320 in us. 00:12:33.679 --> 00:12:34.779 The young son 00:12:34.779 --> 00:12:35.419 who has severely 00:12:35.419 --> 00:12:36.360 insulted his father 00:12:36.360 --> 00:12:37.259 repents 00:12:37.259 --> 00:12:38.060 and goes to him. 00:12:39.519 --> 00:12:40.919 In verse 20 again, 00:12:40.919 --> 00:12:41.879 but while he was 00:12:41.879 --> 00:12:42.779 still a long way off, 00:12:43.199 --> 00:12:44.279 his father saw him 00:12:44.279 --> 00:12:44.860 and was filled 00:12:44.860 --> 00:12:45.439 with compassion 00:12:45.439 --> 00:12:45.959 for him. 00:12:46.519 --> 00:12:47.479 He ran to his son, 00:12:47.879 --> 00:12:48.439 threw his arms 00:12:48.439 --> 00:12:48.939 around him 00:12:48.939 --> 00:12:49.620 and kissed him. 00:12:51.259 --> 00:12:52.439 And this is the 00:12:52.439 --> 00:12:53.439 strongest illustration 00:12:53.439 --> 00:12:54.179 of the point. 00:12:55.259 --> 00:12:56.360 The point that you can 00:12:56.360 --> 00:12:57.279 find acceptance 00:12:57.279 --> 00:12:57.799 in God 00:12:57.799 --> 00:12:58.459 because he is 00:12:58.459 --> 00:12:59.319 immeasurably quick 00:12:59.319 --> 00:13:00.099 to forgive those 00:13:00.099 --> 00:13:00.979 who have faith in him. 00:13:02.379 --> 00:13:03.559 If ordinary men 00:13:03.559 --> 00:13:04.479 who are by nature 00:13:04.479 --> 00:13:05.659 quick to wrath, 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:06.719 quick to take revenge 00:13:06.720 --> 00:13:07.700 and very protective 00:13:07.700 --> 00:13:08.720 of their own rights, 00:13:09.080 --> 00:13:10.100 can still be moved 00:13:10.100 --> 00:13:11.200 by fatherly love 00:13:11.200 --> 00:13:12.440 to kindly forgive 00:13:12.440 --> 00:13:13.500 their children 00:13:13.500 --> 00:13:14.840 and gladly welcome 00:13:14.840 --> 00:13:15.300 them home 00:13:15.300 --> 00:13:15.720 when they have 00:13:15.720 --> 00:13:17.399 fallen into misery, 00:13:18.600 --> 00:13:19.259 then God, 00:13:20.040 --> 00:13:20.620 whose goodness 00:13:20.620 --> 00:13:21.460 far exceeds 00:13:21.460 --> 00:13:22.660 any parent's love, 00:13:23.120 --> 00:13:23.680 will certainly 00:13:23.680 --> 00:13:24.500 not treat us 00:13:24.500 --> 00:13:25.180 more harshly. 00:13:27.060 --> 00:13:28.200 Just as this father 00:13:28.200 --> 00:13:28.720 does not wait 00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:29.240 for his son 00:13:29.240 --> 00:13:30.399 to beg and plead, 00:13:30.860 --> 00:13:31.960 but runs to meet him 00:13:31.960 --> 00:13:32.840 whilst he is still 00:13:32.840 --> 00:13:33.480 far off 00:13:33.480 --> 00:13:34.600 and embraces him 00:13:34.600 --> 00:13:35.220 before hearing 00:13:35.220 --> 00:13:36.019 a single word, 00:13:36.019 --> 00:13:36.980 dirty, 00:13:37.439 --> 00:13:37.759 ragged, 00:13:37.860 --> 00:13:38.960 and ugly as he is, 00:13:39.379 --> 00:13:40.539 so God does not 00:13:40.539 --> 00:13:41.600 wait for long prayers. 00:13:43.019 --> 00:13:43.939 As soon as a sinner 00:13:43.939 --> 00:13:44.879 truly intends 00:13:44.879 --> 00:13:45.960 in his heart 00:13:45.960 --> 00:13:47.899 to confess his faults, 00:13:48.460 --> 00:13:49.139 God freely 00:13:49.139 --> 00:13:49.819 and willingly 00:13:49.819 --> 00:13:50.480 meets him. 00:13:52.340 --> 00:13:53.319 Verse 21. 00:13:54.139 --> 00:13:55.139 The son said to him, 00:13:55.659 --> 00:13:55.939 Father, 00:13:56.100 --> 00:13:56.639 I have sinned 00:13:56.639 --> 00:13:57.159 against heaven 00:13:57.159 --> 00:13:57.960 and against you. 00:13:58.279 --> 00:13:58.939 I am no longer 00:13:58.939 --> 00:13:59.579 worthy to be 00:13:59.579 --> 00:14:00.179 called your son. 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:02.720 Earlier, 00:14:02.879 --> 00:14:03.340 when the son 00:14:03.340 --> 00:14:03.960 had come to his 00:14:03.960 --> 00:14:04.500 own senses, 00:14:04.939 --> 00:14:05.779 he has realized 00:14:05.779 --> 00:14:06.799 who he really was 00:14:06.799 --> 00:14:07.579 or who he could be 00:14:07.579 --> 00:14:07.899 again, 00:14:08.459 --> 00:14:09.220 a true son 00:14:09.220 --> 00:14:09.879 to his father. 00:14:10.939 --> 00:14:11.939 And we see here 00:14:11.939 --> 00:14:13.059 another important part 00:14:13.059 --> 00:14:13.919 of true repentance, 00:14:14.959 --> 00:14:15.860 a deep conviction 00:14:15.860 --> 00:14:16.319 of sin 00:14:16.319 --> 00:14:17.559 that brings grief 00:14:17.559 --> 00:14:18.199 and shame. 00:14:19.579 --> 00:14:20.459 If a person 00:14:20.459 --> 00:14:21.039 is not truly 00:14:21.039 --> 00:14:21.939 sorry for what 00:14:21.939 --> 00:14:22.539 they have done 00:14:22.539 --> 00:14:23.819 and does not 00:14:23.819 --> 00:14:24.379 see their thing 00:14:24.379 --> 00:14:25.379 clearly before their eyes, 00:14:25.459 --> 00:14:26.360 they will try anything 00:14:26.360 --> 00:14:27.539 rather than return 00:14:27.539 --> 00:14:28.299 to the right path. 00:14:29.819 --> 00:14:30.839 Displeasure with our sin 00:14:30.839 --> 00:14:31.779 must come before 00:14:31.779 --> 00:14:32.620 genuine repentance. 00:14:32.620 --> 00:14:34.440 humility must 00:14:34.440 --> 00:14:35.480 accompany regret. 00:14:36.820 --> 00:14:38.139 The son is humble 00:14:38.139 --> 00:14:39.220 in that he 00:14:39.220 --> 00:14:40.340 doesn't even ask 00:14:40.340 --> 00:14:41.019 to be restored 00:14:41.019 --> 00:14:41.919 to the sonship 00:14:41.919 --> 00:14:42.519 he once knew, 00:14:43.299 --> 00:14:44.000 hoping only 00:14:44.000 --> 00:14:45.039 to petition his father 00:14:45.039 --> 00:14:46.159 to be one of his servants. 00:14:47.019 --> 00:14:47.679 But the father 00:14:47.679 --> 00:14:48.600 interrupts the son, 00:14:49.340 --> 00:14:50.179 saying to his servants, 00:14:50.620 --> 00:14:50.879 Quick, 00:14:51.440 --> 00:14:52.299 bring the best robe 00:14:52.299 --> 00:14:53.080 and put it on him. 00:14:53.500 --> 00:14:54.139 Bring a ring 00:14:54.139 --> 00:14:55.399 and put it on his finger 00:14:55.399 --> 00:14:56.480 and sandals on his feet. 00:14:56.940 --> 00:14:57.899 Bring the fattened calf 00:14:57.899 --> 00:14:58.419 and kill it. 00:14:59.440 --> 00:15:00.240 Let's have a feast 00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:00.860 and celebrate. 00:15:01.279 --> 00:15:02.120 For this son of mine 00:15:02.120 --> 00:15:02.600 was dead 00:15:02.600 --> 00:15:03.500 and is alive again. 00:15:03.940 --> 00:15:04.580 He was lost 00:15:04.580 --> 00:15:05.220 and is found. 00:15:05.899 --> 00:15:06.600 So they began 00:15:06.600 --> 00:15:07.180 to celebrate. 00:15:09.080 --> 00:15:10.340 The son has been 00:15:10.340 --> 00:15:11.139 chastised 00:15:11.139 --> 00:15:12.259 for being ungrateful 00:15:12.259 --> 00:15:13.519 by being allowed 00:15:13.519 --> 00:15:14.460 to lose everything 00:15:14.460 --> 00:15:15.259 which his father 00:15:15.259 --> 00:15:15.879 would give him. 00:15:16.899 --> 00:15:18.100 And he felt ashamed 00:15:18.100 --> 00:15:19.100 at the reproach 00:15:19.100 --> 00:15:19.879 and disgrace 00:15:19.879 --> 00:15:20.700 for his physical 00:15:20.700 --> 00:15:22.039 and spiritual nakedness. 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:23.659 The father 00:15:23.659 --> 00:15:24.600 not only pardons 00:15:24.600 --> 00:15:25.100 our sins 00:15:25.100 --> 00:15:25.799 in such a way 00:15:25.799 --> 00:15:26.399 that he buries 00:15:26.399 --> 00:15:27.019 the memory of them 00:15:27.019 --> 00:15:27.539 completely, 00:15:28.639 --> 00:15:29.299 but he also 00:15:29.299 --> 00:15:30.279 restores the gifts 00:15:30.279 --> 00:15:31.719 of which we have 00:15:31.719 --> 00:15:32.279 been deprived. 00:15:34.519 --> 00:15:35.500 The son here 00:15:35.500 --> 00:15:36.299 has been restored 00:15:36.299 --> 00:15:37.559 to full sonship 00:15:37.559 --> 00:15:38.099 and embrace 00:15:38.099 --> 00:15:38.699 the father. 00:15:39.539 --> 00:15:40.399 But it is not 00:15:40.399 --> 00:15:41.139 the son's efforts 00:15:41.139 --> 00:15:42.059 that have restored him. 00:15:42.639 --> 00:15:43.659 The father's grace 00:15:43.659 --> 00:15:44.359 restores him. 00:15:45.259 --> 00:15:46.379 The joy of his son 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:47.139 being alive 00:15:47.139 --> 00:15:48.139 leads him 00:15:48.139 --> 00:15:49.079 to identify 00:15:49.079 --> 00:15:49.919 with his son 00:15:49.919 --> 00:15:51.259 and bring him back 00:15:51.259 --> 00:15:52.240 into his family 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:52.819 once more. 00:15:54.419 --> 00:15:55.579 We who have faith 00:15:55.579 --> 00:15:56.299 enjoy the same 00:15:56.299 --> 00:15:56.819 restoration 00:15:56.819 --> 00:15:57.639 and reconciliation. 00:15:57.639 --> 00:15:59.639 In the parable 00:15:59.639 --> 00:16:00.480 the father states 00:16:00.480 --> 00:16:01.500 the reason for the joy. 00:16:02.139 --> 00:16:03.059 This child of mine 00:16:03.059 --> 00:16:03.580 was dead 00:16:03.580 --> 00:16:05.019 and is alive again. 00:16:05.899 --> 00:16:06.620 He was lost 00:16:06.620 --> 00:16:07.299 and is found. 00:16:09.460 --> 00:16:10.220 It's reminiscent 00:16:10.220 --> 00:16:10.919 of the death 00:16:10.919 --> 00:16:11.879 and life involved 00:16:11.879 --> 00:16:13.460 in conversion 00:16:13.460 --> 00:16:13.980 that we spoke 00:16:13.980 --> 00:16:14.539 about earlier. 00:16:16.059 --> 00:16:16.699 Remember that 00:16:16.699 --> 00:16:17.159 we are told 00:16:17.159 --> 00:16:17.840 that we are buried 00:16:17.840 --> 00:16:18.419 with Christ 00:16:18.419 --> 00:16:19.019 on the cross 00:16:19.019 --> 00:16:19.740 and resurrected 00:16:19.740 --> 00:16:20.240 with him. 00:16:22.419 --> 00:16:23.240 That's the summary 00:16:23.240 --> 00:16:24.120 of what God does 00:16:24.120 --> 00:16:24.960 which enables you 00:16:24.960 --> 00:16:25.220 and me 00:16:25.220 --> 00:16:25.779 to be forgiven 00:16:25.779 --> 00:16:26.319 by him. 00:16:26.620 --> 00:16:27.500 But what do we mean 00:16:27.500 --> 00:16:27.959 when we say 00:16:27.959 --> 00:16:28.480 the cross? 00:16:29.360 --> 00:16:30.179 We mean that 00:16:30.179 --> 00:16:30.480 Jesus 00:16:30.480 --> 00:16:31.480 having lived 00:16:31.480 --> 00:16:32.059 in perfect 00:16:32.059 --> 00:16:32.459 obedience 00:16:32.459 --> 00:16:33.139 to the father 00:16:33.139 --> 00:16:33.860 took on 00:16:33.860 --> 00:16:34.360 the punishment 00:16:34.360 --> 00:16:35.199 for our sin. 00:16:36.019 --> 00:16:36.980 He took our guilt 00:16:36.980 --> 00:16:37.459 suffered 00:16:37.459 --> 00:16:38.079 and was killed 00:16:38.079 --> 00:16:38.519 for it 00:16:38.519 --> 00:16:39.740 and gave us 00:16:39.740 --> 00:16:40.360 his righteousness. 00:16:41.419 --> 00:16:42.279 Then he rises 00:16:42.279 --> 00:16:42.980 from the grave 00:16:42.980 --> 00:16:43.799 showing us 00:16:43.799 --> 00:16:44.399 his authority 00:16:44.399 --> 00:16:45.039 and victory 00:16:45.039 --> 00:16:45.639 over death. 00:16:46.579 --> 00:16:47.159 And that gift 00:16:47.159 --> 00:16:47.579 of life 00:16:47.579 --> 00:16:48.120 is then given 00:16:48.120 --> 00:16:48.639 to those 00:16:48.639 --> 00:16:49.299 who have faith 00:16:49.299 --> 00:16:49.919 and repentance. 00:16:51.779 --> 00:16:52.759 Christ saves us 00:16:52.759 --> 00:16:53.480 from our own sin 00:16:53.480 --> 00:16:54.100 by suffering 00:16:54.100 --> 00:16:54.740 on the cross. 00:16:55.940 --> 00:16:56.899 It's a shameful 00:16:56.899 --> 00:16:57.519 death meant 00:16:57.519 --> 00:16:58.019 for criminals. 00:16:59.300 --> 00:16:59.879 It's God 00:16:59.879 --> 00:17:00.639 coming down 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:01.360 from a throne 00:17:01.360 --> 00:17:02.360 to be mocked 00:17:02.360 --> 00:17:02.879 and shamed 00:17:02.879 --> 00:17:03.379 and killed. 00:17:05.220 --> 00:17:05.880 And yet we're told 00:17:05.880 --> 00:17:06.339 in Hebrews 00:17:06.339 --> 00:17:06.900 that Jesus 00:17:06.900 --> 00:17:08.200 despised the shame. 00:17:10.200 --> 00:17:11.420 Jesus despised 00:17:11.420 --> 00:17:11.799 the shame 00:17:11.799 --> 00:17:12.339 of the cross 00:17:12.339 --> 00:17:13.500 because he regarded 00:17:13.500 --> 00:17:14.620 it with utter contempt 00:17:14.620 --> 00:17:15.200 and disregard. 00:17:16.360 --> 00:17:16.960 He treated 00:17:16.960 --> 00:17:17.740 the humiliation, 00:17:18.440 --> 00:17:19.000 the mockery, 00:17:19.460 --> 00:17:20.220 the nakedness, 00:17:20.460 --> 00:17:21.400 the criminal curse 00:17:21.400 --> 00:17:22.500 and the public disgrace 00:17:22.500 --> 00:17:23.960 as completely worthless 00:17:23.960 --> 00:17:24.740 and beneath 00:17:24.740 --> 00:17:25.580 his consideration 00:17:25.580 --> 00:17:27.420 when he weighed it 00:17:27.420 --> 00:17:28.300 against the joy 00:17:28.300 --> 00:17:29.180 that was set 00:17:29.180 --> 00:17:29.800 before him. 00:17:30.940 --> 00:17:31.560 The joy 00:17:31.560 --> 00:17:33.480 of redeeming sinners 00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:34.120 and bringing 00:17:34.120 --> 00:17:35.240 many sons to glory, 00:17:36.300 --> 00:17:37.000 defeating death 00:17:37.000 --> 00:17:37.420 and sin 00:17:37.420 --> 00:17:38.740 and being exalted 00:17:38.740 --> 00:17:39.220 in glory 00:17:39.220 --> 00:17:39.960 at the right hand 00:17:39.960 --> 00:17:41.080 of the Father. 00:17:43.600 --> 00:17:44.800 He pressed on 00:17:44.800 --> 00:17:45.700 in full obedience 00:17:45.700 --> 00:17:46.880 to the Father 00:17:46.880 --> 00:17:48.180 for our salvation. 00:17:49.940 --> 00:17:50.480 In short, 00:17:50.480 --> 00:17:52.039 the eternal reward 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:52.500 and glory 00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:53.319 far outweighed 00:17:53.319 --> 00:17:54.299 the temporary contempt. 00:17:55.559 --> 00:17:56.519 Jesus despised 00:17:56.519 --> 00:17:56.880 the shame 00:17:56.880 --> 00:17:57.480 on the cross 00:17:57.480 --> 00:17:58.400 for the glory 00:17:58.400 --> 00:17:58.819 and joy 00:17:58.819 --> 00:17:59.440 in redeeming 00:17:59.440 --> 00:17:59.900 his people. 00:18:01.099 --> 00:18:01.779 The joy 00:18:01.779 --> 00:18:02.660 of redeeming you. 00:18:04.140 --> 00:18:04.940 God the Father 00:18:04.940 --> 00:18:05.799 sends God the Son 00:18:05.799 --> 00:18:06.240 to die 00:18:06.240 --> 00:18:07.380 and as such 00:18:07.380 --> 00:18:08.000 sustains 00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:09.279 a similar indignity. 00:18:10.839 --> 00:18:11.819 God takes the joy 00:18:11.819 --> 00:18:13.640 in saving 00:18:13.640 --> 00:18:14.279 and accepting 00:18:14.279 --> 00:18:14.880 his children. 00:18:15.059 --> 00:18:15.599 He takes joy, 00:18:15.720 --> 00:18:15.880 sorry. 00:18:17.460 --> 00:18:17.980 Similarly, 00:18:18.259 --> 00:18:18.880 in the parable, 00:18:18.880 --> 00:18:20.100 the Father 00:18:20.100 --> 00:18:20.620 is willing 00:18:20.620 --> 00:18:21.120 to commit 00:18:21.120 --> 00:18:21.900 the indignity 00:18:21.900 --> 00:18:22.480 of a man 00:18:22.480 --> 00:18:23.220 for his age 00:18:23.220 --> 00:18:23.740 and position 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:24.640 to run. 00:18:25.900 --> 00:18:26.680 The Father 00:18:26.680 --> 00:18:27.920 runs with joy 00:18:27.920 --> 00:18:28.800 for the redemption 00:18:28.800 --> 00:18:29.620 of his child. 00:18:31.500 --> 00:18:32.300 And the humiliation 00:18:32.300 --> 00:18:33.000 emphasizes 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:34.180 our second main point, 00:18:34.860 --> 00:18:36.380 that you can find 00:18:36.380 --> 00:18:37.260 acceptance in God 00:18:37.260 --> 00:18:37.940 because he is 00:18:37.940 --> 00:18:38.920 immeasurably quick 00:18:38.920 --> 00:18:39.840 to forgive those 00:18:39.840 --> 00:18:40.760 who have faith in him. 00:18:40.759 --> 00:18:43.799 We now come 00:18:43.799 --> 00:18:44.519 to the second part 00:18:44.519 --> 00:18:45.079 of the parable 00:18:45.079 --> 00:18:46.200 where we are shown 00:18:46.200 --> 00:18:46.660 the reaction 00:18:46.660 --> 00:18:47.519 to the restoration 00:18:47.519 --> 00:18:49.319 of the younger son. 00:18:50.359 --> 00:18:50.759 Remember, 00:18:50.879 --> 00:18:51.559 the Pharisees 00:18:51.559 --> 00:18:52.420 who are hearing 00:18:52.420 --> 00:18:53.019 this parable 00:18:53.019 --> 00:18:53.819 are represented 00:18:53.819 --> 00:18:54.700 by the older brother 00:18:54.700 --> 00:18:56.079 who want to shun 00:18:56.079 --> 00:18:56.819 those whom Jesus 00:18:56.819 --> 00:18:57.819 is willing to talk to 00:18:57.819 --> 00:18:58.460 and eat with, 00:18:59.460 --> 00:19:02.019 those who have been sinful. 00:19:03.619 --> 00:19:04.819 Jesus strongly rebukes 00:19:04.819 --> 00:19:05.700 those who would cruelly 00:19:05.700 --> 00:19:06.500 try to put limits 00:19:06.500 --> 00:19:07.359 on God's grace 00:19:07.359 --> 00:19:09.119 as if they were jealous 00:19:09.119 --> 00:19:09.959 of the salvation 00:19:09.959 --> 00:19:11.439 of wretched sinners. 00:19:13.119 --> 00:19:14.500 We know this is aimed 00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:15.879 directly at the Pharisees' pride. 00:19:18.459 --> 00:19:19.659 They felt they were not 00:19:19.659 --> 00:19:20.319 getting the reward 00:19:20.319 --> 00:19:21.000 they deserved 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:22.339 if Christ welcomed 00:19:22.339 --> 00:19:23.079 tax collectors 00:19:23.079 --> 00:19:24.199 and ordinary sinners 00:19:24.199 --> 00:19:24.879 into the hope 00:19:24.879 --> 00:19:26.279 of eternal life. 00:19:27.659 --> 00:19:28.539 So we come to 00:19:28.539 --> 00:19:29.479 our third main point, 00:19:30.399 --> 00:19:31.319 that you can find 00:19:31.319 --> 00:19:32.419 acceptance among 00:19:32.419 --> 00:19:33.119 God's people 00:19:33.119 --> 00:19:34.839 since God has warned us 00:19:34.839 --> 00:19:35.939 to be as compassionate 00:19:35.939 --> 00:19:36.659 as he is. 00:19:37.359 --> 00:19:39.619 So Jesus will show 00:19:39.619 --> 00:19:40.219 the Pharisees 00:19:40.219 --> 00:19:41.099 why they need to accept 00:19:41.099 --> 00:19:41.559 the redemption 00:19:41.559 --> 00:19:42.500 of those who are not 00:19:42.500 --> 00:19:43.019 yet found. 00:19:44.099 --> 00:19:45.839 He says in verse 25, 00:19:46.379 --> 00:19:46.619 Meanwhile, 00:19:46.859 --> 00:19:47.459 the older son 00:19:47.459 --> 00:19:48.179 was in the field. 00:19:49.139 --> 00:19:50.059 When he came near 00:19:50.059 --> 00:19:51.079 to the house, 00:19:51.119 --> 00:19:51.779 he heard music 00:19:51.779 --> 00:19:52.339 and dancing. 00:19:53.019 --> 00:19:53.699 So he called 00:19:53.699 --> 00:19:54.299 one of the servants 00:19:54.299 --> 00:19:54.859 and asked him 00:19:54.859 --> 00:19:55.679 what was going on. 00:19:57.019 --> 00:19:58.299 Your brother has come, 00:19:58.459 --> 00:19:58.919 he replied, 00:19:59.119 --> 00:19:59.839 and your father 00:19:59.839 --> 00:20:00.279 has killed 00:20:00.279 --> 00:20:01.159 a fattened calf 00:20:01.159 --> 00:20:03.059 because he has him 00:20:03.059 --> 00:20:04.079 back safe and sound. 00:20:05.399 --> 00:20:06.339 The older brother 00:20:06.339 --> 00:20:07.059 became angry 00:20:07.059 --> 00:20:07.919 and refused 00:20:07.919 --> 00:20:08.440 to go in. 00:20:10.440 --> 00:20:11.419 He has the same 00:20:11.419 --> 00:20:12.559 awareness of the danger 00:20:12.559 --> 00:20:13.519 to his younger brother 00:20:13.519 --> 00:20:14.519 as his father had. 00:20:15.819 --> 00:20:16.460 They would have maybe 00:20:16.460 --> 00:20:17.359 heard about the famine. 00:20:18.859 --> 00:20:19.839 He's just heard 00:20:19.839 --> 00:20:20.659 about his brother's 00:20:20.659 --> 00:20:21.700 practical resurrection. 00:20:24.200 --> 00:20:25.500 The father was joyful 00:20:25.500 --> 00:20:27.119 and yet he responds 00:20:27.119 --> 00:20:28.220 with pride and anger. 00:20:28.220 --> 00:20:31.339 Jesus compares the scribes 00:20:31.339 --> 00:20:32.259 to obedient children 00:20:32.259 --> 00:20:33.700 who, having patiently 00:20:33.700 --> 00:20:35.019 submitted to their father, 00:20:36.079 --> 00:20:36.940 father's authority 00:20:36.940 --> 00:20:37.759 their whole lives. 00:20:39.440 --> 00:20:40.380 Even though they were 00:20:40.380 --> 00:20:41.259 completely unworthy 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:42.160 of such praise, 00:20:42.940 --> 00:20:44.000 Christ spoke in accordance 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:44.759 with what they believed 00:20:44.759 --> 00:20:45.480 about themselves 00:20:45.480 --> 00:20:46.980 to illustrate the point 00:20:46.980 --> 00:20:50.480 that even if Jesus 00:20:50.480 --> 00:20:51.180 was to accept 00:20:51.180 --> 00:20:52.100 their false claims 00:20:52.100 --> 00:20:53.319 that they have always 00:20:53.319 --> 00:20:54.140 been obedient children 00:20:54.140 --> 00:20:54.660 to God, 00:20:55.520 --> 00:20:56.860 they still have no right 00:20:56.860 --> 00:20:57.900 to reject their brothers 00:20:57.900 --> 00:20:59.100 so proudly and cruelly 00:20:59.100 --> 00:21:00.100 when they repent 00:21:00.100 --> 00:21:01.220 of their sinful lives. 00:21:02.500 --> 00:21:03.259 The older son 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:03.880 has also heard 00:21:03.880 --> 00:21:04.800 about the father's joy 00:21:04.800 --> 00:21:06.140 and is angry with him, 00:21:07.420 --> 00:21:08.220 rejecting him 00:21:08.220 --> 00:21:09.700 by refusing to share 00:21:09.700 --> 00:21:10.460 in the celebration. 00:21:11.740 --> 00:21:13.040 But how does the father 00:21:13.040 --> 00:21:14.140 respond to this rebellion? 00:21:15.520 --> 00:21:16.280 Verse 28, 00:21:16.279 --> 00:21:18.019 So his father went out 00:21:18.019 --> 00:21:18.920 and pleaded with him. 00:21:20.059 --> 00:21:21.139 But he answered his father, 00:21:21.599 --> 00:21:22.899 Look, all these years 00:21:22.899 --> 00:21:23.980 I've been slaving for you 00:21:23.980 --> 00:21:24.859 and never disobeyed 00:21:24.859 --> 00:21:25.359 your orders. 00:21:26.220 --> 00:21:27.119 Yet you never gave me 00:21:27.119 --> 00:21:28.000 even a young goat 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:28.759 so I could celebrate 00:21:28.759 --> 00:21:29.539 with my friends. 00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:31.639 But when the son of yours 00:21:31.639 --> 00:21:32.240 who has squandered 00:21:32.240 --> 00:21:32.740 your property 00:21:32.740 --> 00:21:33.519 with prostitutes 00:21:33.519 --> 00:21:35.119 comes home, 00:21:36.059 --> 00:21:37.299 you kill the fattened calf 00:21:37.299 --> 00:21:37.579 for him? 00:21:39.619 --> 00:21:41.220 The father is again gracious 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:42.259 in approaching 00:21:42.259 --> 00:21:42.920 and reasoning 00:21:42.920 --> 00:21:43.759 with the older brother 00:21:43.759 --> 00:21:45.079 who is consumed 00:21:45.079 --> 00:21:45.700 with anger 00:21:45.700 --> 00:21:47.240 at his brother's past sins 00:21:47.240 --> 00:21:48.759 that he even refuses 00:21:48.759 --> 00:21:49.860 to call him brother. 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:52.580 With these words, 00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:54.000 Jesus rebukes the hypocrites 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:55.480 for their unbearable pride. 00:21:56.319 --> 00:21:57.580 Their pride is so great 00:21:57.580 --> 00:21:58.600 that the father 00:21:58.600 --> 00:21:59.720 has to plead with them 00:21:59.720 --> 00:22:00.660 not to be jealous 00:22:00.660 --> 00:22:02.140 of the mercy shown 00:22:02.140 --> 00:22:02.840 to their brothers. 00:22:04.440 --> 00:22:05.360 God tells us 00:22:05.360 --> 00:22:05.960 through scripture 00:22:05.960 --> 00:22:07.519 and in this example 00:22:07.519 --> 00:22:09.120 that he strongly urges us 00:22:09.120 --> 00:22:09.840 to be patient 00:22:09.840 --> 00:22:10.519 with the faults 00:22:10.519 --> 00:22:11.660 of our brothers and sisters 00:22:11.660 --> 00:22:12.779 and to remove 00:22:12.779 --> 00:22:13.620 every excuse 00:22:13.620 --> 00:22:14.220 for harsh, 00:22:14.819 --> 00:22:15.580 unloving judgment. 00:22:15.700 --> 00:22:18.240 Jesus does more 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:18.720 than just let 00:22:18.720 --> 00:22:19.539 the hypocrite speak 00:22:19.539 --> 00:22:21.180 and he goes further 00:22:21.180 --> 00:22:21.940 and declares 00:22:21.940 --> 00:22:22.720 that even if someone 00:22:22.720 --> 00:22:24.100 had perfectly fulfilled 00:22:24.100 --> 00:22:25.880 every duty of godliness 00:22:25.880 --> 00:22:26.740 towards the father, 00:22:27.480 --> 00:22:28.240 he would still have 00:22:28.240 --> 00:22:29.360 no right to complain 00:22:29.360 --> 00:22:30.039 when his brother 00:22:30.039 --> 00:22:30.799 receives pardon. 00:22:32.920 --> 00:22:33.759 We Christians 00:22:33.759 --> 00:22:34.539 hope to be free 00:22:34.539 --> 00:22:35.180 from this bitter, 00:22:35.340 --> 00:22:35.980 envious spirit 00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:37.360 to share in the joy 00:22:37.360 --> 00:22:37.860 of the father 00:22:37.860 --> 00:22:39.480 but Christ's purpose here 00:22:39.480 --> 00:22:40.080 is to show 00:22:40.080 --> 00:22:40.660 that it would be 00:22:40.660 --> 00:22:41.840 completely unjust 00:22:41.840 --> 00:22:43.059 for anyone to grumble 00:22:43.059 --> 00:22:43.580 or reject 00:22:43.580 --> 00:22:44.120 when his brother 00:22:44.119 --> 00:22:44.579 is welcomed 00:22:44.579 --> 00:22:45.359 back into life. 00:22:46.659 --> 00:22:48.099 Even if that older brother 00:22:48.099 --> 00:22:49.419 were not one less bit holy 00:22:49.419 --> 00:22:50.419 than he could imagine, 00:22:51.599 --> 00:22:52.159 his pride 00:22:52.159 --> 00:22:53.519 is not in recognizing 00:22:53.519 --> 00:23:03.940 what the younger brother 00:23:03.940 --> 00:23:04.879 did was wrong 00:23:04.879 --> 00:23:07.960 but rather hating him 00:23:07.960 --> 00:23:08.440 for it. 00:23:09.440 --> 00:23:10.579 Even after their father 00:23:10.579 --> 00:23:11.460 had granted forgiveness, 00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:13.039 he hated the younger brother 00:23:13.039 --> 00:23:15.240 to the point of murderousness 00:23:15.240 --> 00:23:17.059 and practically wished him dead. 00:23:17.059 --> 00:23:20.039 verse 31, 00:23:20.440 --> 00:23:21.139 my son, 00:23:21.220 --> 00:23:21.859 the father said, 00:23:22.059 --> 00:23:23.039 you are always with me 00:23:23.039 --> 00:23:23.879 and everything I have 00:23:23.879 --> 00:23:24.279 is yours. 00:23:25.740 --> 00:23:27.079 But we had to celebrate 00:23:27.079 --> 00:23:27.700 and be glad 00:23:27.700 --> 00:23:28.839 because your brother 00:23:28.839 --> 00:23:29.299 of yours, 00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:30.240 this brother of yours 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:30.779 was dead 00:23:30.779 --> 00:23:31.960 and is alive again. 00:23:32.559 --> 00:23:33.339 He was lost 00:23:33.339 --> 00:23:34.039 and is found. 00:23:35.659 --> 00:23:36.480 Didn't the older brother 00:23:36.480 --> 00:23:37.000 get it? 00:23:37.720 --> 00:23:38.819 He had been benefiting 00:23:38.819 --> 00:23:39.740 from his sonship 00:23:39.740 --> 00:23:40.519 all the time. 00:23:42.119 --> 00:23:43.159 He had not been left 00:23:43.159 --> 00:23:43.740 to starve 00:23:43.740 --> 00:23:44.799 or feed with pigs 00:23:44.799 --> 00:23:46.480 in order to taste bread. 00:23:47.059 --> 00:23:49.940 He has no reason 00:23:49.940 --> 00:23:50.519 to be angry 00:23:50.519 --> 00:23:51.559 when he sees his brother 00:23:51.559 --> 00:23:52.480 kindly welcomed home 00:23:52.480 --> 00:23:53.879 without losing anything himself. 00:23:54.799 --> 00:23:55.839 All the time 00:23:55.839 --> 00:23:56.539 he has been working 00:23:56.539 --> 00:23:57.700 towards his own inheritance. 00:23:59.359 --> 00:23:59.799 Second, 00:24:00.200 --> 00:24:01.000 instead of caring 00:24:01.000 --> 00:24:02.039 about his brother's safety 00:24:02.039 --> 00:24:02.700 and restoration, 00:24:03.179 --> 00:24:04.299 he is simply upset 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:05.299 because everyone else 00:24:05.299 --> 00:24:06.019 is rejoicing 00:24:06.019 --> 00:24:07.000 over his return. 00:24:10.179 --> 00:24:11.159 On one hand, 00:24:11.259 --> 00:24:12.339 it is no loss to us 00:24:12.339 --> 00:24:13.240 if God graciously 00:24:13.240 --> 00:24:14.440 receives back into favor 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:15.139 those who have been 00:24:15.139 --> 00:24:16.379 separated from him 00:24:16.379 --> 00:24:17.000 by their sins. 00:24:17.059 --> 00:24:19.319 On the other hand, 00:24:19.399 --> 00:24:19.960 it is wicked 00:24:19.960 --> 00:24:20.940 and harmless of heart 00:24:20.940 --> 00:24:21.619 not to rejoice 00:24:21.619 --> 00:24:22.559 when we see our brothers 00:24:22.559 --> 00:24:23.099 and sisters 00:24:23.099 --> 00:24:24.379 return from death to life. 00:24:26.139 --> 00:24:27.339 Jesus is still inviting 00:24:27.339 --> 00:24:28.419 the Pharisees to repent 00:24:28.419 --> 00:24:30.299 and accept the good news. 00:24:31.659 --> 00:24:32.419 The warning is, 00:24:32.799 --> 00:24:33.980 if they reject new members 00:24:33.980 --> 00:24:34.839 of God's people, 00:24:36.019 --> 00:24:36.700 they are essentially 00:24:36.700 --> 00:24:37.759 rejecting God himself. 00:24:39.799 --> 00:24:40.740 Jesus warns us, 00:24:41.379 --> 00:24:42.319 we have to celebrate. 00:24:42.319 --> 00:24:45.659 you can find acceptance 00:24:45.659 --> 00:24:46.619 among God's people 00:24:46.619 --> 00:24:47.799 since we have been 00:24:47.799 --> 00:24:48.779 warned by God 00:24:48.779 --> 00:24:50.419 to be as compassionate 00:24:50.419 --> 00:24:51.119 as he is. 00:24:53.299 --> 00:24:54.500 Let's finish by 00:24:54.500 --> 00:24:55.779 applying this to our own lives. 00:24:58.200 --> 00:24:59.319 Let us rejoice 00:24:59.319 --> 00:25:00.480 more and more 00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:01.519 for everyone who listens 00:25:01.519 --> 00:25:02.379 to Christ's words 00:25:02.379 --> 00:25:04.019 and his call to repentance 00:25:04.019 --> 00:25:06.059 and be even more grateful 00:25:06.059 --> 00:25:07.160 for how God continues 00:25:07.160 --> 00:25:08.400 to forgive our pride. 00:25:10.019 --> 00:25:10.660 The outsiders 00:25:10.660 --> 00:25:11.900 are sons and daughters 00:25:11.900 --> 00:25:13.019 who can be brought back 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:13.920 from the brink of death 00:25:13.920 --> 00:25:15.940 and death to life 00:25:15.940 --> 00:25:16.940 warrants celebration. 00:25:18.559 --> 00:25:19.220 After all, 00:25:19.279 --> 00:25:20.240 he came down from heaven 00:25:20.240 --> 00:25:22.359 to save not only the holy 00:25:22.359 --> 00:25:23.559 but those who are lost 00:25:23.559 --> 00:25:24.599 and dead in their sins. 00:25:24.599 --> 00:25:27.000 Again, 00:25:27.119 --> 00:25:28.139 it makes no sense 00:25:28.139 --> 00:25:28.519 at all 00:25:28.519 --> 00:25:29.459 for us to look down 00:25:29.459 --> 00:25:29.919 on people 00:25:29.919 --> 00:25:31.119 whom the Son of God 00:25:31.119 --> 00:25:32.079 has held so high. 00:25:33.119 --> 00:25:33.699 And even 00:25:33.699 --> 00:25:34.779 if the weaker ones 00:25:34.779 --> 00:25:35.259 have flaws 00:25:35.259 --> 00:25:36.000 that might make them 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:36.799 easy to scorn, 00:25:37.740 --> 00:25:39.039 our pride will not be forgiven 00:25:39.039 --> 00:25:40.000 on that account. 00:25:40.959 --> 00:25:42.240 We need to value them 00:25:42.240 --> 00:25:44.139 not because of how worthy 00:25:44.139 --> 00:25:44.599 they are 00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:46.219 but for the sake of Christ. 00:25:47.659 --> 00:25:48.319 Accept them 00:25:48.319 --> 00:25:49.639 by following Christ's example. 00:25:51.059 --> 00:25:51.839 And in humility, 00:25:52.299 --> 00:25:53.259 take joy and be glad 00:25:53.259 --> 00:25:54.500 that God runs to us 00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:55.859 restores us, 00:25:56.539 --> 00:25:57.980 celebrates and defends us, 00:25:58.680 --> 00:25:59.819 always calling us 00:25:59.819 --> 00:26:00.400 his children. 00:26:03.420 --> 00:26:04.579 If you are here today 00:26:04.579 --> 00:26:05.779 but you do not yet believe, 00:26:06.400 --> 00:26:07.799 we hope to love you already 00:26:07.799 --> 00:26:08.779 and be a friend to you. 00:26:09.700 --> 00:26:11.220 And if you join us in faith, 00:26:11.619 --> 00:26:12.759 no pass will prevent you 00:26:12.759 --> 00:26:13.559 from being accepted. 00:26:14.819 --> 00:26:15.859 If you have questions 00:26:15.859 --> 00:26:17.079 or want to talk more about faith, 00:26:17.220 --> 00:26:17.940 please come and speak 00:26:17.940 --> 00:26:18.579 with someone here. 00:26:19.619 --> 00:26:21.000 Come back and ask questions 00:26:21.000 --> 00:26:22.700 and take the next steps 00:26:22.700 --> 00:26:23.380 towards faith. 00:26:23.380 --> 00:26:25.200 you are warmly invited. 00:26:28.200 --> 00:26:29.300 But recognize that 00:26:29.300 --> 00:26:30.620 if you do not yet have God, 00:26:31.360 --> 00:26:33.040 you are in a spiritual famine. 00:26:34.860 --> 00:26:35.900 What would the father 00:26:35.900 --> 00:26:36.940 of the parable say 00:26:36.940 --> 00:26:38.380 if his starving son 00:26:38.380 --> 00:26:39.480 could hear him from afar, 00:26:40.000 --> 00:26:40.840 if he could call him 00:26:40.840 --> 00:26:41.320 on the phone? 00:26:43.200 --> 00:26:44.100 He would say, 00:26:44.460 --> 00:26:45.060 my child, 00:26:45.220 --> 00:26:45.680 come home. 00:26:45.680 --> 00:26:49.220 When will you realize 00:26:49.220 --> 00:26:49.840 the enormity 00:26:49.840 --> 00:26:50.640 of the recklessness 00:26:50.640 --> 00:26:51.400 and waste 00:26:51.400 --> 00:26:52.299 of all the good 00:26:52.299 --> 00:26:53.680 God has given you so far? 00:26:55.060 --> 00:26:56.400 God does not receive you 00:26:56.400 --> 00:26:57.220 because you've cleaned up 00:26:57.220 --> 00:26:57.740 your record. 00:26:59.519 --> 00:26:59.960 Rather, 00:27:00.120 --> 00:27:01.340 he offers to accept you 00:27:01.340 --> 00:27:02.259 fully and joyfully 00:27:02.259 --> 00:27:03.880 the moment you come home 00:27:03.880 --> 00:27:04.460 in repentance 00:27:04.460 --> 00:27:05.200 and faith. 00:27:05.200 --> 00:27:07.440 In Christ, 00:27:07.559 --> 00:27:08.220 your old self 00:27:08.220 --> 00:27:09.259 has already died 00:27:09.259 --> 00:27:11.000 and now you stand 00:27:11.000 --> 00:27:11.559 before him 00:27:11.559 --> 00:27:12.460 as a beloved son 00:27:12.460 --> 00:27:12.920 and daughter, 00:27:13.240 --> 00:27:14.420 clothed in Christ's righteousness. 00:27:15.039 --> 00:27:16.059 Welcome to the table 00:27:16.059 --> 00:27:16.740 of celebration 00:27:16.740 --> 00:27:18.200 if you come to him 00:27:18.200 --> 00:27:18.700 in belief. 00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:21.120 The cross 00:27:21.120 --> 00:27:21.920 puts to death 00:27:21.920 --> 00:27:22.860 the old you 00:27:22.860 --> 00:27:24.980 so that the father 00:27:24.980 --> 00:27:25.580 can run 00:27:25.580 --> 00:27:26.460 and embrace you 00:27:26.460 --> 00:27:28.660 and accept the new you 00:27:28.660 --> 00:27:29.680 with no hesitation. 00:27:31.440 --> 00:27:32.460 He seeks the coin. 00:27:33.279 --> 00:27:34.160 He seeks the sheep. 00:27:34.940 --> 00:27:35.640 He seeks you. 00:27:37.559 --> 00:27:38.079 Child, 00:27:38.360 --> 00:27:38.799 come home. 00:27:40.380 --> 00:27:41.180 Let us pray.