1. The Father’s dishonor
11 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.
Luke 15:11–12 (ESV)
2. The Father’s substitute
20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him . . . and ran . . . Luke 15:20 (ESV)
3. The Father’s forgiveness
20 . . . his father . . . 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.’ Luke 15:20–21 (ESV)
4. The Father’s grace
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. Luke 15:21–23 (ESV)
5. The Father’s love
20 . . . while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion . . . Luke 15:20 (ESV)
19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them . . .
2 Corinthians 5:19 (ESV)
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:10–14 (ESV)
6. The Father’s joy
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:24 ESV