Podcasts about Luke 15

Today, we're finishing Luke chapter 15. In this chapter, Jesus tellsthree parables in response to the Pharisees who criticized Him for being afriend to tax collectors and sinners. The theme running through all threeparables is lost, found, and rejoicing. Keep that in mind.  At this point in theparable, the scribes and Pharisees felt confident that they had escaped ourLord's judgment, for He had centered His attention on the publicans andsinners, pictured by the prodigal son. But Jesus continued the story andintroduced the elder brother, who is a clear illustration of the scribes andPharisees. The publicans and sinners were guilty of the obvious sins of theflesh, but the Pharisees and scribes were guilty of sins of the spirit (2 Cor.7:1). Their outward actions may have been blameless, but their inward attitudeswere abominable (see Matt. 23:25-28). We must admit that theelder brother had some virtues that are commendable. He worked hard and alwaysobeyed his father. He never brought disgrace either to the home or to thevillage, and apparently he had enough friends so that he could have planned anenjoyable party (Luke 15:29). He seems like a good solid citizen and, comparedto his younger brother, almost a saint. However, important asobedience and diligence are, they are not the only tests of character. Jesustaught that the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love others(Luke 10:25-28), but the elder brother broke both of these divine commandments.He did not love God (represented in the story by the father), and he did notlove his brother. The elder brother would not forgive his brother who wastedthe family inheritance and disgraced the family name. But neither would heforgive his father who had graciously forgiven the young man those very sins! When you examine thesins of the elder brother, you can easily understand why he pictures thescribes and Pharisees. To begin with, he was self-righteous. He openlyannounced the sins of his brother, but he could not see his own sins (see Luke18:9-14). The Pharisees defined sin primarily in terms of outward actions, notinward attitudes. They completely missed the message of the Sermon on the Mountand its emphasis on inward attitudes and holiness of heart (Matt. 5-7). My friend, the heart ofGod is for lost sinners to be found, and when they are, there is rejoicing.Jesus rejoices, heaven rejoices, angels rejoice, friends rejoice. But do youknow who wasn't rejoicing? The Pharisees. They were sanctimonious,self-righteous, proud, angry, bitter religious people. Their religion was builton good works, and they thought they were better than everyone else. Jesusnails them with this story.  Jesus uses the story ofthe older brother to drive this home. My friend, we need to be aware of this.Our churches are full of people who work, work, work, serve, serve, serve, butit's often to be seen, to be commended, to get a pat on the back. Like thePharisees, they say, “I'm not like others. I tithe, I go to church, I do allthese good things.” But they miss the point. When the publican bowed his headand prayed, “I'm a lost sinner, have mercy on me, O God,” Jesus said he wenthome justified, not the proud Pharisee. Today, we don't want tobe like the Pharisees—critical, sanctimonious, self-righteous, proud, angry, orrefusing to rejoice when a sinner comes home to the Lord. This is a powerfulending to the chapter. Let's not forget the lost elder brother, who missed itall because his heart wasn't right with God or his father.  I trust these threestories of lost, found, and rejoicing will resound in your soul. Keep an eyeout for those around you who need to be found, so you can bring them to Jesus.  God bless!

When I was growing up, Ihad a father who was a very committed follower of Jesus, but was also verystrict, and honestly, I had a fear of him and his punishments. If I got caughtdoing something bad, I dreaded coming home and facing my dad. I knew that hewas going to meet me with a belt or paddle in his hand and that he would bevery angry at me for disgracing him. I got many whippings that I deserved. (Bythe way, my brother Mark got a whole lot more.) This picture of my fathergrowing up made it tremendously hard for me as a young believer, because foryears I pictured our Father God in the same way.  It was this parable ofthe prodigal son, that eventually gave me a better picture of God's heart andlove toward us as a believer who had willfully strayed away from fellowship withHim. The prodigal son had squandered his inheritance, lived recklessly, and hitrock bottom. Yet, when he finally decided to return home, his father didn'twait for him to clean himself up or earn his way back. The father had been patientlylooking and waiting for him to come home, he saw him from a distance, ran tohim, and embraced him with love and forgiveness before the son could evenfinish his confession.  This is a stunningimage of God's grace. The father's actions break all cultural norms, older menin that time didn't run, especially not to meet a disgraced son. But thisfather runs because his love is unstoppable. He doesn't just forgive; herestores. The robe, the ring, the sandals, and the feast aren't just gifts, they'resymbols of the father's full acceptance, sonship, and celebration. The son camehome expecting rejection or, at best, servitude. Instead, he was met with mercythat transformed him from “lost” to “found,” from “dead” to “alive.”  This is God's heart forevery one of us. No matter how far we've strayed, no matter the weight of ourshame, God is watching, waiting, and ready to run to us the moment we turntoward Him. His grace doesn't demand perfection; it demands only our return. Andwhen we come, He doesn't just forgive—He restores us to our place as Hisbeloved children, clothing us in His righteousness and celebrating our return.  But this story alsochallenges us to reflect: Are we living in the fullness of the Father'sembrace? Or are we still carrying the weight of guilt, believing we're unworthyof His love? And, just as importantly, are we extending this same grace toothers, welcoming them as the Father welcomes us?Today, let this story sink deep into your heart. If you feel far from God—maybebecause of sin, doubt, or shame—know that He is watching for you, ready to runto you with open arms. You don't need to earn His love; you only need to turntoward Him. Take a moment to confess anything that's keeping you distant andtrust that His grace is enough to restore you.  And if you've alreadyexperienced His forgiveness, ask yourself: How can I reflect the Father's heartto others? Is there someone in your life who needs grace, forgiveness, or areminder that they're loved? God calls us to be His ambassadors, showing thesame compassion and celebration for others that He shows us. Today, if you havestrayed from fellowship with the Father, come home to God. Spend time inprayer, confessing any areas where you've wandered and receiving Hisforgiveness. Let go of any shame and embrace your identity as His belovedchild. Also, take the time to extend grace to someone else. Identify one personwho needs encouragement, forgiveness, or love. Reach out to them with a kindword, a gesture of reconciliation, or an invitation to experience God's lovethrough your actions. Prayer: Father, thankYou for running to us with Your love and grace. Forgive us for the times we'vewandered, and help us to rest in Your embrace. Give us courage to return to Youfully and to share Your heart with others.

An Amazing conversation on Luke 15 with Caleb Propst and Gabe Ramsey

Thestory of the prodigal son is probably one of the most read and liked stories inthe Bible. We can relate to it in some way! Either we have strayed ourselves,or someone in our family that is dear to our hearts has wandered far away fromGod. This parable, told by Jesus, is about a young man who demands hisinheritance, leaves his father's house, and squanders everything in recklessliving. By verses 14-19, he's hit rock bottom—broke, alone, and feeding pigs, adegrading job for a Jewish man. Yet, in this low moment, something shifts. He“comes to himself” and resolves to return to his father, not as a son, butas a humble servant. This is a story of sin's consequences, repentance, and thehope of restoration. Theprodigal's journey shows us the deceptive nature of sin. Interestingly, he lefthome, like many young people, thinking they are looking for themselves, but inthe process they in reality lose themselves. He thought leaving his father'shouse would bring freedom, wealth, and joy. Instead, it led to slavery,poverty, and despair. Sin promises much but delivers little. It lures us withthe illusion of control and happiness, only to leave us empty, like theprodigal longing for pig food. This passage reminds us that a life apart fromGod is a “far country”—a place of spiritual famine where nothing trulysatisfies. The prodigal's hunger wasn't just physical; it was a soul-deeplonging for meaning, love, and home. Yet,this low point becomes a turning point. His suffering wakes him up. Heremembers his father's goodness, and how even the hired servants have bread tospare. This contrast between his misery and his father's generosity sparks achange. It's a powerful reminder that God often uses our struggles to draw usback to Him. The prodigal's pain helped him see his father in a new light,stirring hope that maybe, just maybe, he could return. Didyou notice the phrase “he came to himself”. It suggests he'd beenliving as someone else, lost in sin's madness. Repentance begins with thisawakening—a moment of clarity where we see our true condition and God's betterway. The prodigal didn't just feel sorry; he acted. He resolved to arise, go tohis father, confess his sin, and humbly seek a place in the household. Truerepentance involves the mind, heart, and will: recognizing our sin, feelingsorrow for it, and choosing to turn back to God. Thispassage challenges us to “arise and go” and examine our ownlives. Are we in a “far country,” chasing things that promise happiness butleave us empty? Maybe it's a habit, a mindset, or a pursuit that's pulling usfrom God. Like the prodigal, we need to “come to ourselves.” What's onearea where you've wandered? What's keeping you from returning to the Father'shouse, where there's bread enough and to spare? God's grace is waiting, but itrequires us to humble ourselves, admit our sin, and arise and act. I'llnever forget the old invitational hymn we used to sing in our churches, “Lord,I'm Coming Home”. I've wandered far away from God, Now I'm coming home; Thepaths of sin too long I've trod, Lord, I'm coming home. I've wasted manyprecious years, Now I'm coming home; I now repent with bitter tears, Lord, I'mcoming home. I'm tired of sin and straying, Lord, Now I'm coming home; I'lltrust Thy love, believe Thy word, Lord, I'm coming home. Coming home, cominghome, Nevermore to roam, Open wide Thine arms of love, Lord, I'm coming home. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thankYou for Your relentless love that calls us home, even when we've wandered far.Open our eyes to see where we've strayed and give us the courage to arise andreturn to You. Forgive us for chasing empty things, and fill us with Your graceand truth. Help us take one step toward You today, trusting in Your goodness.In Jesus' name, Amen.

This week's message reminds us: Jesus didn't just come for the crowd—He came for you. Whether you feel distant, stuck, or spiritually wandering, you're not beyond His reach. From lost sheep to prodigal sons, Jesus seeks what others overlook. And when He finds us? Heaven throws a party. Key Verse: “For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” —Luke 19:10

InLuke 15, Jesus tells three parables about lost things. The first, the lostsheep, shows Jesus, the Good Shepherd, pursuing a foolish sinner far from God.The second, the lost coin, pictures a believer still in God's house but hiddenin the dirt, perhaps useless to Him through carelessness, sin, neglect, ordistraction. The woman, a picture of the Holy Spirit, lights a candle, cleansthe house and finds it. This third parable, the Prodigal Son, portrays a childof God out of fellowship with the Father, a backslider who, through love forthe world, willfully chooses separation, reckless living, and ends in misery,enslaved to sin.  Theparable of the Prodigal Son reveals both the heartbreak of a child strayingfrom God and the boundless love of our Heavenly Father. This story speaks tobelievers like you and me, who, like the prodigal, may slide back into theworld, losing fellowship with God through our deliberate choices. Let's explorethree lessons from the younger son's journey: First,the deliberate choice to stray in the younger son's demand for his inheritance(v. 12), was a bold rejection of his father's authority and presence, as ifsaying, “I'd rather have your wealth than you.” This wasn't a careless mistakebut a willful choice to separate from his father, driven by a love for theworld's pleasures. As believers, we can make similar choices, prioritizingworldly desires, such as materialism, status, or sinful pleasures, over ourrelationship with God. This backsliding begins in the heart, where we value“the far country” over the Father's house. Scripture warns, “The wages ofsin is death” (Romans 6:23). Choosing the world over God breaks ourfellowship with Him, setting us on a path away from His love and purpose. Second,notice in verse 13 how this reckless path led to ruin. The son “wasted hispossessions with prodigal living” in the far country. His reckless lifestyle, squanderinghis inheritance on fleeting pleasures, led to spiritual and physical poverty.This mirrors the backslider who, having given their substance (time, talents,devotion) to the world, ends up enslaved to sin. The son's love for the worldpromised freedom but delivered bondage, leaving him isolated and desperate.Isaiah 55:2 asks, “Why do you spend your money for what is not bread, andyour wages for what does not satisfy?” As believers, we risk wasting God'sgifts when we chase what cannot fulfill us. The world's husks and its emptypromises leave our souls starving, far from the Father's provision. (ReadGalatians 6:7-8). “Sowing to the flesh reaps corruption”.  Byverses 14-16, the son experiences the misery of broken fellowship. A faminestrikes, his resources are gone, and he's reduced to feeding pigs, longing toeat their food, with “no one giving him anything.” Having given hissubstance, he now gives himself, becoming a bondslave to a citizen of the farcountry. This is a picture of sin's enslavement (v. 15). This is the misery ofa believer out of fellowship with God: spiritually lost, dissatisfied, and cutoff from the Father's care. Yet, even in this despair, there's hope. The son'smisery prepares him to remember his father's goodness, a reminder of Romans2:4: “God's kindness leads us to repentance”. Our Father waits torestore us when we turn back, ready to renew our fellowship with Him. Thisparable should challenge us as believers to examine our fellowship with God.Are we, like the prodigal, drifting into the far country, choosing the world'sallure over our Father's presence? Have we made deliberate choices that lead toreckless living, wasting God's gifts and landing in spiritual misery? The goodnews is that our Father's love never wavers. He longs to restore us, just asthe father welcomed his son home.  Godbless!

In one of Jesus' most famous parables, he taught us that the only proper response to a son being dead and coming to life again is celebration.

April 20, 2025 | Luke 15:11-32 | Truly Good News | Easter 2025 | Wes Moore

My Son Was Dead And Is Alive Again Luke 15 All rights not specified here are reserved to and for the benefit of the copyright owner. Used by Permission. CCLI License CSPL163010

Passage: Luke 15:11-32Message: The Parable of the Prodigal SonSpeaker: Pastor Aaron Garza

It's a matter of priorities. For more resources on reading through the Bible in a year, visit my church's website at this link or text us at 888-644-4034. Feel free to join me on my other daily podcast, Your Next Step. God bless - Doyle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Picturea woman in a dimly lit Palestinian home, realizing one of her ten silver coinsis missing. These coins were more than money, they formed a headband worn by abride, a symbol of her marriage, like a wedding ring. Losing one was a crisis.So, she lights a lamp, grabs a broom, and searches every corner, sweeping awaydust and peering into shadows. When she finally finds that glinting coin, herjoy overflows.  Inthe first parable of Luke 15, the shepherd seeking the lost sheep shows usJesus, the Good Shepherd, pursuing a foolish lost sinner far from God. Thissecond parable, the lost coin, offers another layer. The coin, still in thehouse but hidden in the dirt, can picture a believer who has lost theirusefulness to God, perhaps through sin, neglect, distraction, or carelessness.  Thewoman represents the Holy Spirit, who brings the light of God's Word to exposehidden sin, sweeps the heart clean through conviction, and restores thebeliever to fellowship with the Lord. Every person, sinner or saint, bearsGod's image, like a coin stamped with a king's likeness. Even when sin marsthat image, God sees their worth and pursues them. Jesussays heaven rejoices when one sinner repents, but this parable also hints atthe joy when a believer is restored. Angels celebrate when a lost soul comes toChrist or when a wayward Christian returns to God's purpose. This challenges usto see everyone, unbelievers and struggling believers alike, as precious toGod, worth seeking and restoring. Thisparable reveals God's heart for both the lost sinner and the believer who'sdrifted. If you feel far from God today, maybe as a believer who's lost yourspiritual fire, know that the Holy Spirit is searching for you, ready torestore you with the light of His Word. If you're walking closely with God,you're called to join this mission.  Peoplearound you, friends, coworkers, or even fellow Christians, may be like thatlost coin, in God's house but not shining for Him. You can help by sharing thetruth of Scripture, praying for their restoration, or encouraging them toreturn to fellowship. (Read Galatians 6:1-5). Thisalso challenges our attitudes. The religious leaders grumbled when Jesuswelcomed sinners. Jesus was saying that God actually searches for lost sinners!No wonder the scribes and Pharisees were offended, for there was no place intheir legalistic theology for a God like that. They had forgotten that God hadsought out Adam and Eve when they had sinned and hidden from God (Gen. 3:8-9).In spite of their supposed knowledge of Scripture, the scribes and Phariseesforgot that God was like a father who pitied his wayward children (Ps.103:8-14).  Dowe ever judge those who've wandered, whether unbelievers or believers caught insin? God pursues both with equal love, and we must too. Let's be vessels of theHoly Spirit, bringing light and hope to those who need it. James ended hisepistle with these words: “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from thetruth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner fromthe error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins”(James 5:19-20). Challenge: Bea light this week and identify one person who seems far from God, either anunbeliever or a believer who's drifted. Pray for them daily, asking the HolySpirit to shine His light and restore them. Look for one chance to showkindness, share a Scripture, or invite them to reconnect with God, maybethrough a conversation or a church invitation. Then, watch for God to work andbe ready to rejoice when He does. Prayer:Lord,thank You for pursuing us when we're lost, whether as sinners or believerswho've wandered. Fill us with Your Spirit to shine Your Word and restore othersto You. Give us boldness this week to pray, love, and reach out. May we joinheaven's joy over every restored soul. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Luke15 has become one of my favorite chapters in the Bible over the years. Thispassage paints a vivid picture of God's heart for the lost. The chapter beginswith tax collectors and sinners, people who are despised and rejected bysociety, are drawing near to Jesus, eager to hear His words. Thisscandalizes the Pharisees and scribes, who see themselves as righteous andabove such “sinners.”  Theirgrumbling reveals their lack of love for the lost, but Jesus responds with aparable that unfolds in three stories about a lost sheep, a lost silver coin,and a lost son, all which reveal God's love and heart for sinners. In these storieswe clearly can see the Trinity. Jesus, the Savior seeking the lost sheep in thewilderness, the Holy Spirit lighting the candle, cleaning the house, seekingthe lost silver coin, and God the Father patiently waiting for the lost son tocome back home to fellowship with Him! Inthe first story, a shepherd with a hundred sheep notices one is missing. Thatone sheep matters so much that he leaves the ninety-nine in the wilderness tosearch for it. He doesn't give up until he finds it, and when he does, hedoesn't scold it or drive it back harshly. Instead, he gently lifts it onto hisshoulders, carries it home, and throws a celebration with his friends,shouting, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!” Jesusexplains the punchline: heaven rejoices more over one sinner who repents thanover the ninety-nine who think they need no repentance. Like the shepherd,God seeks out those who are lost, people who've wandered away, whether throughfoolishness, rebellion, or ignorance. No one is too far gone for His pursuit.Second, it reveals the value God places on every single person. The shepherddidn't say, “It's just one sheep; I still have ninety-nine.” Each one isprecious, worth leaving the fold to rescue. Third, it highlights the joy ofsalvation. The shepherd's celebration mirrors heaven's joy when a sinner turnsto God. Angels rejoice, and God Himself delights in the return of His own. Are we like the Pharisees, quickto judge or distance ourselves from those we deem “unworthy”? Or do we reflectJesus, who draws near to the broken and outcast with compassion? The truth is,we're all like that lost sheep at some point, foolishly straying, helpless, andin need of a Savior. (Read Isaiah 53:6). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, came to seekand save us (Luke 19:10), carrying us home on His shoulders. And now, He callsus to join Him in His mission to seek the lost.  Thereis a fourfold joy expressed when a lost sinner comes to the Savior. There iscertainly joy in the heart of the person who is found. Both Scripture (Acts3:8; 8:39) and our own personal experience verify the joy of salvation. Butthere is also the joy of the person who does the finding. Whenever you assistin leading a lost soul to faith in Christ, you experience a wonderful joywithin (Psalm 126:5-6). Others join with us in rejoicing as we share the goodnews of a new child of God in the family (v. 6), and there is also joy inheaven (Luke 15:7, 10). ChallengeThisweek, let's live out the heart of the Good Shepherd. Pray for one person inyour life who seems far from God, maybe someone you might naturally overlook orjudge. Ask God to soften their heart and give you an opportunity to show themHis love.  Reach out to that person witha small gesture of kindness, a conversation, a meal, or a note ofencouragement. Show them the same grace Jesus showed the tax collectors andsinners.  Let'scommit to being people who seek the lost, not because we're perfect, butbecause we've been found by the Shepherd's love. Prayer LordJesus, thank You for seeking us when we were lost. Fill us with Your compassionfor those who are far from You. Give us courage to reach out, wisdom to shareYour love, and joy in seeing others come to You. May our lives reflect thecelebration of heaven. In Your name, Amen.

Lent 3 Luke 15:1-32 at Common Table: Prodigal Parties w/ Stephen Poore

Pastor Ken teaches Luke 15.

Download the Journey Through Scripture reading plan.Make a donation on my Ko-fi account.Check out more art by Matt Novak.

Jared Mellinger preached this sermon at Covenant Fellowship Church on April 13, 2025. Series: What a Savior! - Seeing Jesus in the Book of Luke Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Joshua Solowey | 04.13.25 | ethoschurch.org

We hope you enjoy and benefit from Grace Point Church's messages. Thank you for taking time to listen!

Passage: Luke 15:1-10Message: A Lost Sheep and A Lost CoinSpeaker: Pastor Aaron Garza

On this Palm Sunday Pastor Martin preaches on the Father who loves his Son three times to death!

Guest Speaker - Ken Graves

Deuteronomy - Expiation of a Crime, Domestic Relations, Sundry Laws, Laws on MoralityLuke - The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, The Prodigal Son

Luke 19:101st Timothy 1:15Luke 15:1Luke 15:2Luke 15:3-41.) The deep concernLuke 15:42.) The seekingIsaiah 53:62nd Peter 3:9Ezekiel 33:11Luke 15:4-53.) The great loveRomans 5:8Luke 15:6-7,104.) The rejoicing

Jim Donohue preached this sermon at Covenant Fellowship Church on April 6, 2025. Series: What a Savior! - Seeing Jesus in the Book of Luke Scripture: Luke 15:1-10

Joshua Solowey | 04.06.25 | ethoschurch.org

We hope you enjoy and benefit from Grace Point Church's messages. Thank you for taking time to listen!

The Reverend Jamison Wayne Galt

Series: 2025 - Rooted in Grace: Living Out the GospelService: Sunday WorshipType: Bible MessageSpeaker: Phillip W. Martin

Pastor Dan's sermon, based on Luke 15:11–32, focused on the character of God as revealed through the parable of the prodigal son. He emphasized God's patience during our rebellion, His compassion when we repent, and His joy when we return. Even when others misunderstand God's grace, the Father stands ready to embrace the lost with open arms.#GodIsCompassionate #ProdigalSon #Luke15 #GraceAndForgiveness #ComeHomeToGod

The younger brother is only half of the story. The older brother is just as lost but in a different way. Both sons don't understand the gracious love of the father. Do you? The answer might surprise you in this episode of Gospel Wabi Sabi.

The Rev’d Ethan Magness, Rector

Are you thriving in the life God designed for you?Join Susie and me as we take a deep dive into Luke 13:19b, exploring the profound connection between spiritual nourishment and personal growth.Luke 13:19b (NIV)“It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”https://livesteadyon.com/To connect with Susie:https://susiecrosby.com/Facebook: @‌susiecrosbyauthorInstagram: @‌susiecrosbySusie's devotionals, “Lighthearted” and “Just One Word: 90 Devotions to Invite Jesus In” are available on Amazon.https://www.logos.com/https://enduringword.com/https://www.wordhippo.com/https://www.biblegateway.com/https://www.blueletterbible.org/Friedrich Büchsel, “Γίνομαι, Γένεσις, Γένος, Γένημα, Ἀπογίνομαι, Παλιγγενεσία,” ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 686.John A. Martin, “Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 240–241.I. Howard Marshall, “Luke,”.+~These+two+parables+a "‌") in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1003.A. Boyd Luter, “Luke,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), 1635.Theme music:Glimmer by Andy Ellison

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”So to them Jesus addressed this parable:“A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father,‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.'So the father divided the property between them.After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongingsand set off to a distant countrywhere he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.When he had freely spent everything,a severe famine struck that country,and he found himself in dire need.So he hired himself out to one of the local citizenswho sent him to his farm to tend the swine.And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed,but nobody gave him any.Coming to his senses he thought,‘How many of my father's hired workershave more than enough food to eat,but here am I, dying from hunger.I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him,“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.I no longer deserve to be called your son;treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”'So he got up and went back to his father.While he was still a long way off,his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.His son said to him,‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you;I no longer deserve to be called your son.'But his father ordered his servants,‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him;put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.Take the fattened calf and slaughter it.Then let us celebrate with a feast,because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;he was lost, and has been found.'Then the celebration began.Now the older son had been out in the fieldand, on his way back, as he neared the house,he heard the sound of music and dancing.He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean.The servant said to him,‘Your brother has returnedand your father has slaughtered the fattened calfbecause he has him back safe and sound.'He became angry,and when he refused to enter the house,his father came out and pleaded with him.He said to his father in reply,‘Look, all these years I served youand not once did I disobey your orders;yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.But when your son returnswho swallowed up your property with prostitutes,for him you slaughter the fattened calf.'He said to him,‘My son, you are here with me always;everything I have is yours.But now we must celebrate and rejoice,because your brother was dead and has come to life again;he was lost and has been found.'"

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”So to them Jesus addressed this parable:“A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father,‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.'So the father divided the property between them.After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongingsand set off to a distant countrywhere he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.When he had freely spent everything,a severe famine struck that country,and he found himself in dire need.So he hired himself out to one of the local citizenswho sent him to his farm to tend the swine.And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed,but nobody gave him any.Coming to his senses he thought,‘How many of my father's hired workershave more than enough food to eat,but here am I, dying from hunger.I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him,“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.I no longer deserve to be called your son;treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”'So he got up and went back to his father.While he was still a long way off,his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.His son said to him,‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you;I no longer deserve to be called your son.'But his father ordered his servants,‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him;put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.Take the fattened calf and slaughter it.Then let us celebrate with a feast,because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;he was lost, and has been found.'Then the celebration began.Now the older son had been out in the fieldand, on his way back, as he neared the house,he heard the sound of music and dancing.He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean.The servant said to him,‘Your brother has returnedand your father has slaughtered the fattened calfbecause he has him back safe and sound.'He became angry,and when he refused to enter the house,his father came out and pleaded with him.He said to his father in reply,‘Look, all these years I served youand not once did I disobey your orders;yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.But when your son returnswho swallowed up your property with prostitutes,for him you slaughter the fattened calf.'He said to him,‘My son, you are here with me always;everything I have is yours.But now we must celebrate and rejoice,because your brother was dead and has come to life again;he was lost and has been found.'"

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”So to them Jesus addressed this parable:“A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father,‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.'So the father divided the property between them.After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongingsand set off to a distant countrywhere he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.When he had freely spent everything,a severe famine struck that country,and he found himself in dire need.So he hired himself out to one of the local citizenswho sent him to his farm to tend the swine.And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed,but nobody gave him any.Coming to his senses he thought,‘How many of my father's hired workershave more than enough food to eat,but here am I, dying from hunger.I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him,“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.I no longer deserve to be called your son;treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”'So he got up and went back to his father.While he was still a long way off,his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.His son said to him,‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you;I no longer deserve to be called your son.'But his father ordered his servants,‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him;put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.Take the fattened calf and slaughter it.Then let us celebrate with a feast,because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;he was lost, and has been found.'Then the celebration began.Now the older son had been out in the fieldand, on his way back, as he neared the house,he heard the sound of music and dancing.He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean.The servant said to him,‘Your brother has returnedand your father has slaughtered the fattened calfbecause he has him back safe and sound.'He became angry,and when he refused to enter the house,his father came out and pleaded with him.He said to his father in reply,‘Look, all these years I served youand not once did I disobey your orders;yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.But when your son returnswho swallowed up your property with prostitutes,for him you slaughter the fattened calf.'He said to him,‘My son, you are here with me always;everything I have is yours.But now we must celebrate and rejoice,because your brother was dead and has come to life again;he was lost and has been found.'"

By Pastor Dan Nash

Sermon: “Luke 15:1-3, 11-32” by Rev Russell Rathbun Scripture Reading: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 House of Mercy Church in St. Paul, Minnesota is an intellectually curious, artistically forward, community--called the best church for non-churchgoers by the City Pages. House of Mercy's weekly service includes award-winning sermons, always intriguing guests playing the best in country gospel/Americana music, and regular offerings from the hardest working band in the church band business: The Grand Old Grievous Angel Band.  Find us at houseofmercy.org Contact us at info@houseofmercy.org Donate at tinyurl.com/Donate-to-HOM

The Beautiful Empty: Lent 2025 March 9 – April 13 Blaise Pascal once spoke of the “God-shaped vacuum” in the heart of every person that can only be filled by God. Yet we spend so much of our lives trying to fill that vacuum with everything but God. When we feel worthless, we seek validation from our work. When we suffer from loneliness, we turn to relationships to save us. When we experience boredom, we binge on entertainment. When we feel overwhelmed or self-conscious, we reach for altered states.   The God-shaped hole only grows deeper and wider as we fill it with the things that do not satisfy. But the season of Lent invites us to let go of our attachments and dependencies, emptying ourselves of all our cheap substitutes for God, so we can finally see ourselves for who we really are—needy, imperfect, unfinished, still-becoming people in need of a tender, patient, gracious God. It's only by experiencing our emptiness that the God-shaped hole can finally be filled, healed, and blessed by that which truly satisfies.

by Rev. Russell Rathbun Scripture Reading: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Lead Pastor Kris McDaniel preaches from Luke.Learn more at atltrinity.org.

In this sermon, The Reverend Jacob Smith reminds us that the Parable is not only about a wayward son's return home, but about two sons who would prefer their father dead, and God's lavish grace to save the both of them.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son – A Story of Redemption and Welcome! In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus shares a powerful story of love, grace, and restoration. A son demands his inheritance early, squanders it all in reckless living, and finds himself lost and broken. In desperation, he returns home, expecting rejection—but instead, his father runs to embrace him, celebrating his return with open arms. This story is a reminder that no matter how far we wander, God's love is always ready to welcome us home. Whether you are returning, searching, or visiting for the first time—our church is a place of grace, joy, and belonging. You are welcome here!

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”So to them Jesus addressed this parable:“A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father,‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.'So the father divided the property between them.After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongingsand set off to a distant countrywhere he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.When he had freely spent everything,a severe famine struck that country,and he found himself in dire need.So he hired himself out to one of the local citizenswho sent him to his farm to tend the swine.And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed,but nobody gave him any.Coming to his senses he thought,‘How many of my father's hired workershave more than enough food to eat,but here am I, dying from hunger.I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him,“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.I no longer deserve to be called your son;treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”'So he got up and went back to his father.While he was still a long way off,his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.His son said to him,‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you;I no longer deserve to be called your son.'But his father ordered his servants,‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him;put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.Take the fattened calf and slaughter it.Then let us celebrate with a feast,because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;he was lost, and has been found.'Then the celebration began.Now the older son had been out in the fieldand, on his way back, as he neared the house,he heard the sound of music and dancing.He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean.The servant said to him,‘Your brother has returnedand your father has slaughtered the fattened calfbecause he has him back safe and sound.'He became angry,and when he refused to enter the house,his father came out and pleaded with him.He said to his father in reply,‘Look, all these years I served youand not once did I disobey your orders;yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.But when your son returnswho swallowed up your property with prostitutes,for him you slaughter the fattened calf.'He said to him,‘My son, you are here with me always;everything I have is yours.But now we must celebrate and rejoice,because your brother was dead and has come to life again;he was lost and has been found.'"

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comLuke 15 Jesus is dining with tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees and scribes grumble about this. They completely miss that Christ has come to seek and save the lost. To educate them on His mission, Jesus tells three parables. The first is a man who loses one of his one hundred sheep. He searches for the one, carries him back, and throws a party to celebrate. The second is a woman who loses one of her ten coins. She sweeps the house until she finds it, and then rejoices with her friends. The third is about a son who takes his inheritance and wastes it. He finally comes home, and the father throws a feast. His older brother is angry about this and must be taught about mercy by his father.   The point of all three parables is the same: our Father in heaven rejoices when even one soul repents of sin and returns to Him. We might not care about one sheep out of a hundred, but the Shepherd does. We might have lived with one lost coin, but the woman could not. We would certainly be crushed at losing a son, and we would throw a great feast if he returned home. This is why Jesus ate with sinners. He knew that every soul matters and the Father loves them all. The older brother in the Prodigal Son story struggles to have mercy on his brother. To be like our Father, we must be humble and welcome all who repent.     Patient Father, thank You for loving us and desiring our salvation. We know Your greatest joy is seeing a soul restored to Your care. Great God, if we need to repent and return to You, please show us the way. If we are lost sheep, please send Jesus to carry us back home. But Father, we also need to help others turn to You. Please cleanse our hearts of any pride that would look at others the way the older brother did, the way the Pharisees did. Send us someone today who we can lead back to You.   -       Jesus spending time with sinners was a shock to the Pharisees. Is it off-putting behavior to you? Should you be doing this also? -       All three stories show how important repentance is to God. How should God's loving response to repentance affect all your decisions? -       The older brother was self-centered and unmerciful. Does this ever happen today? Should Christians ever feel this way about others?