The following is a manuscript of the sermon presented by Senior Pastor Dr. Roger Patterson on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at our West U Baptist campus. To view the sermon in full, check out the link below.

 

Have you heard that Prince Harry’s new tell-all book, was accidentally released in Spain this past week?

Set to appear on shelves next week, something got lost in translation when the Spanish Translation emerged on store shelves prematurely.

In the book, it is reported that Harry shares the most intimate details about the Royal Family.

The press has already noted:

• How Harry is painting his father and bother in a VERY NEGATIVE LIGHT.
• How He has felt SLIGHTED all of his life, describing how he got a smaller bedroom than his brother growing up
• How he partied.
• How he and his brother begged his father not to marry Queen Consort Camila.
• How He and William had such a rift over Meghan, it led to a physical altercation between the two of them.
• How he wants accountability for the press as they have been racist toward his wife.

And Many of the Press are asking questions like these:

• Might there Ever Be Reconciliation?
• Would Harry Ever Be Welcomed Back?

And then others are saying…

King Charles’ representatives have reiterated his position where he says…

“My door is open and they know where they can find me.”

I wonder if King Charles would ever be recorded on video for the entire world to see him running to embrace his son Harry, if Harry did come home to be reconciled.

I don’t know about the Royal Family and whether or not there would ever be a pardon for Harry’s behavior, but I know of a much GREATER KING whose Kingdom is a Kingdom of PARDON for every single one of us.

As a matter of fact, this is the very nature of His kingdom.

In Luke 15, we see Jesus tell three parables. Now, as we saw last week, a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. In other words, it is offered to us to help us connect with something in real life – like FAMILY DRAMA – to make a point about how the Kingdom of Heaven FUNCTIONS.

It reveals truths about God by taking things out of the headlines and life experiences of everyday people.

Jesus tells these three stories as recorded by Luke in chapter 15, because he is receiving criticism for “RECEIVING SINNERS and TAX COLLECTORS.”

Slide: Luke 15:1-2

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. ² And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”                       

So, these three parables – stories with a purpose—are given to show us what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. And it is here that Jesus tells us the stories of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son, to illustrate how much REJOICING Happens in the Kingdom when that which is lost and estranged, is found and restored.

Notice the rejoicing at the end of the first two stories, and then we will read the Parable of the Lost Son.

Luke 15:7

Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Luke 15:10

 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Do you see it? It’s a kingdom that delights in pardon…where that which is lost is found, and that which is estranged is restored!

Before we go any further, let me ask you, “If you were King Charles, would you run to Harry?”

Let’s read Luke 15:11-32.

Luke 15:11-32

And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. ¹² And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. ¹³ Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. ¹⁴ And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. ¹⁵ So he went and hired himself out to^[b] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. ¹⁶ And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

¹⁷ “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! ¹⁸ I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ ²⁰ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. ²¹ And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’^[c] 22 But the father said to his servants,^[d] ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. ²³ And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. ²⁴ For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

²⁵ “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. ²⁷ And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ ²⁸ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, ²⁹ but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. ³⁰ But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ ³¹ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. ³² It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

Let’s unpack this a bit as we seek to understand more about this kingdom that Jesus offers to us who follow him. Let me ask a series of questions and let’s walk through the passage and see what we can learn.

Let’s first look at the Younger Brother…the estranged one.

I. The Younger Brother –

What’s the Younger Bro’s problem? Look at Verse 11-12.

Slide: Luke 15:11-12

And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. ¹² And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 

Right up front we see this guy is not in a good place. We see immediately some things about this son:

• He is unfulfilled.
• He is joyless.
• He is searching for something that’s missing in his life.
• Or, he just needs to get away from the situation he is in.

He is in a place of REBELLION and from his perspective, his best bet is to move on from this place, so he can get on with his life and do what he wants.

Thomas Huxley said…“A Man’s worst difficulties begin when he is able to do just as he likes.”

This leads me to our next question: What does he do?

You see here in the story that he approaches his dad, demanding his inheritance.

Warren Wiersbe says…“According to Jewish law, an elder son received twice as much as the other sons (Deut. 21:17), and a father could distribute his wealth during his lifetime if he wished. It was perfectly legal for the younger son to ask for his share of the estate and even to sell it, but it was certainly not a very loving thing on his part. It was as though he were saying to his father, ‘I wish you were dead!’”

So, his father, divides up his estate and gives both of his sons their inheritance.

So, Where does he go? Vs. 13 tells us he took a journey into the “far country.” This means distant. He moves to LA…he crosses the pond. He moves to the land of opportunity, the land of the rich and famous.

He goes to the place where he believes he will find life…meaning…fulfillment. He wants to create his own life, build his own brand, and make a name for himself.

He no longer wants to live in the shadow of his bigger, perfect brother and his family. It’s a familiar story isn’t it?

So, What does he do? Vs. 13 – he “squanders” all his money on “reckless living.”

Luke 15:13

Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 

This means unrestrained, not denying himself of anything. In vs. 30, the other son/older brother says he devoured your property with prostitutes…

In the story of the lost sheep, the sheep wanders away because it is foolish.

In the story of the lost coin, the owner is careless.

But in the story of the lost son, the son is lost because of his willfulness. He wanted his own way!

Before we look at the result of his ways, let me just do a summary of this young man.

The Younger Son’s Traits

• Selfish
• Disrespectful
• Unfulfilled
• Immoral/Licentious
• Foolish/Wasteful

The Younger Son’s Traits

–Selfish (v.12–“give me my share of the estate”)–This made him demanding and self-centered.

–Disrespectful—to ask for his share of the estate was basically to wish the father dead and was a sign of great disrespect in this culture. Father had right to banish him.

–Unfulfilled–(v.13—he set off for a distant country) He was longing and looking for fulfillment.

–Immoral/Licentious–(v.13—he squandered his wealth in wild living). He did what he wanted with no regard for the father or the father’s reputation.

–Foolish/Wasteful–(v.14)–“After he has spent everything he had…” He was foolish and wasteful of his life, belongings, etc.

So, we ask, what is the result? Vs. 14-16 – we all know the result. He spent all his money. Ran out. Got a terrible job feeding pigs, which for a Jewish man, pigs were unclean animals altogether, indicating this brother has hit rock bottom. Here he is, hungry and hopeless.

Wiersbe says…”…Life in the far country was not what he expected. His resources ran out, his friends left him, a famine came, and the boy was forced to do for a stranger what he would not do for his own father—go to work! This scene in the drama is our Lord’s way of emphasizing what sin really does in the lives of those who reject the Father’s will. Sin promises freedom, but it only brings slavery (John 8:34); it promises success, but brings failure; it promises life, but “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). The boy thought he would ‘find himself,’ but he only lost himself! When God is left out of our lives, enjoyment becomes enslavement.”

Can you relate to this younger brother? It’s a sad story…a sad state of affairs. Maybe it’s where you used to be. Maybe it’s where someone you love currently is. Maybe it’s where you are today.

Before we get to the solution, let’s look at the other brother who himself is also lost.

II. The Older Brother

Let’s jump ahead to Look at the Older Brother. He’s the rule follower. His standards for himself and others are super high. Unfairly high at times.

So, what’s his problem? Like the younger brother, he has a problem, too. Look at verses 25-30.

Luke 15:25-30

²⁵ “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. ²⁷ And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ ²⁸ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, ²⁹ but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. ³⁰ But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 

Do you see his problem? He learns that his younger brother has returned after bringing shame on the family name. And he is furious! And why is he furious?

We quickly learn of the older bro’s problem. It’s glaring. His issue is the same as his younger brother!

He is selfish. He is focused on himself.

Consider this…

1. There is no unconcern for his missing brother. Imagine having to be told that his brother had come home! The father watched for the younger son day after day and finally saw him afar off, but the elder brother did not know his brother was home until one of the servants told him.
2. Though he knew it would make his father happy, the elder brother did not want his younger brother to come home.

• Why should he share his estate with somebody who had wasted his own inheritance?
• Why should he even share the father’s love with somebody who had brought shame to the family and the village?
• Reports of the prodigal’s lifestyle only made the elder brother look good, and perhaps this would make the father love his obedient son even more.
• No doubt about it—the arrival of the younger son was a threat to the older son.

 So, What does he do? Vs. 28 –

Luke 15:28a

²⁸ But he was angry and refused to go in.

Aristotle says of anger…“Anybody can become angry. That is easy. But to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose and in the right way—that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy.”

If we could sum up the traits of the older brother, it would look like this.

The Older Son’s Traits

• Angry
• Bitter
• Resentful
• Comparison
• Judgment
• Superior
• Fearful
• Insecure

The older son didn’t really know the heart of his father and he lived in a trap of performance, fear, and ultimately anger. He was angry with his brother for hurting the family name. He was angry with his father for throwing his brother a party. He was angry that though he had done everything right, what he was experiencing was so wrong.

This is not unlike the Pharisees who can’t believe that the Rabbi Jesus would welcome sinners and tax collectors. In their eyes, they were the outcasts…the rebellious younger son who was irreligious and failed to be obedient.

The irony here is that both sons are rebellious, aren’t they?

• The younger son is rebellious when he wants his inheritance.
• The older son is rebellious when he refuses to go into the party. He won’t honor his father’s wishes.

It’s really easy to see someone else’s faults and not see our own.

Diertrich Bonhoffer said…”Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.”

But hey, the real hero and main character of the story is the Father. Let’s learn from Jesus here as we understand that His kingdom is one of Pardon.

III. The Father

Remember, I wondered if King Charles would ever be captured on video running to his son to welcome him home.

This parable includes the two sons, but the main character here is the father. Jesus is telling this parable to help them understand the Father’s heart.

The younger brother decides to come home, because it’s the memory of the father’s character that pulls him back. But he isn’t worthy to be called his son, so he is simply hoping to find a place in his father’s house as a servant. Maybe, just maybe he’ll receive me back as a servant. Notice what happens in vs. 20-24 – Man, this is so good. So transformational, so full of hope for all of us.

Luke 15:20-24

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. ²¹ And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ ²² But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. ²³ And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. ²⁴ For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

I want to give you four traits about this Father who runs.

The Father Who Runs to His Sons…

1. The Father sees, he doesn’t snub.

• The Father sees, he doesn’t snub. (vs. 20) As soon as the son takes a left and heads down main street, the Father sees him from a distance. He is on the lookout. He sees his son, clothes torn, scraggly beard, malnourished. He doesn’t head back in the house, or turn his back and walk the other way. He sees him, and runs to him! Notice he also sees the absence of his older son at the party. And he also comes to his older son as well!

The Father Who Runs to His Sons…

1. The Father sees, he doesn’t snub.
2. The Father has compassion, not condemnation.

• The Father has compassion, not condemnation (vs. 20) He tears off after his son and has compassion for him, not condemnation. Notice what the father does. He ran and embraced and kissed him. Grace. He simply held his hurting son.

The Father Who Runs to His Sons…

1. The Father sees, he doesn’t snub.
2. The Father has compassion, not condemnation.
3. The Father restores, he doesn’t reject.

• The Father restores, he doesn’t reject. (vs. 22) The son launches into his speech that he hopes would land him mercy from his father. He depends on his words to result in favor, but the father interrupts his speech and tells his staff to put on the robe and the ring and new shoes on his feet. He tore off the old clothes and gave him new clothes! He restored him back to life, he didn’t reject him to death.

The Father Who Runs to His Sons…

1. The Father sees, he doesn’t snub.
2. The Father has compassion, not condemnation.
3. The Father restores, he doesn’t reject.
4. The Father pardons, he doesn’t pounce.

• Last one, The Father pardons, he doesn’t pounce. (vs. 23) He throws a party and celebrates his son. Notice what the father didn’t do – he doesn’t eyeroll, he doesn’t tear into him with “why did you…” or “how could you…” or “how dare you…”

Friends, listen. This is the Father’s heart. This is God’s heart. This is what it looks like to live in the Kingdom. It is a kingdom of pardon, a flourishing kingdom. And every single one of us needs a Father who Pardons us for our sin.

• It is a kingdom of pardon for those who have gone off into their own “far country.” Maybe that’s you or someone you know – you resonate with the Younger Brother. You know what it looks like and feels like be out in the far country and you know the results of what that life is.
  • Can you Identify with the younger brother?
  • What will happen if I “return” home? How will God respond/react? How can I ever go home? Look to Luke 15 – Truth is…he sees, he doesn’t snub; he has compassion, not condemnation; he is ready with restoration, not rejection, and he is full of pardon, and he won’t pounce on you.
• That’s life in the Kingdom. God has sentenced your sin – Jesus took care of that on the cross on your behalf for you!
• Or maybe you resonate with the Older Brother. And in some ways, I resonate with the Older brother too!
  • Somehow you are drawn to perform for the Father’s love and approval.

Good news, that’s not how the Kingdom works. That’s not life in the kingdom. There is pardon for you as well, pardon and freedom from performing. 

And here is a beautiful and necessary truth: When we live in light of the kingdom of pardon, we become a people of pardon.

When we live in light of the kingdom of pardon, we become a people of pardon.

We become people who are known by forgiveness because we understand how we’ve been forgiven.

Let me close with a few questions to consider:

• Which brother are you most like? The younger or older?
• How does the kingdom of pardon give you hope today?

How will you live in light of the kingdom of pardon?