Returning Home to the Father
The prodigal son part 3 will discuss God’s point of view of sinners and what we can expect when we are returning home to the Father as the prodigal son did. The prodigal son learned quickly that he had sin in his life. The choices he made forced his hand to have the “wake-up” moment.
1 John 1:7-8 states, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” David and Thurston begin by discussing that we all have sinned. It is worth stating that Grace is not a license to sin.
“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”
– Luke 15:20
In this parable taught by Jesus, symbolism plays a part. As children of God, we all realize that we fall short of the glory of God. In other words, we do not live a perfect life. Paul states in Romans 7:14 “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.” Paul who was called up to heaven even stated about the present sin nature in Romans.
The Prodigal Son Part 3: Realizing Our Sin
Romans 7:15 states, “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.” The prodigal son realizes that he has left his father’s love and care. Paul states, “in my body dwells no good thing.” In other words, we are all guilty of sin. No one has the excuse of having no sin, except one. That one is the person telling this parable, Jesus Christ.
Paul stated when he wanted to do good he was still in a sinful body. Jesus was teaching in his parable about the transformation that takes place in us when we are saved. We receive an abundance of grace and eternal life. The inward man is made right, but the outward man has a sinful nature.
The prodigal son and repentance
The prodigal son realizes that he needs to repent. When he came to himself it became apparent that he was feeding hogs, which was shameful to the people of Isreal. Pride will deceive anyone. When someone has pride in themself they will start to track down the pathway of sin. We leave the care of humility and lose our focus on our heavenly father.
“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!”
– Luke 15:17
Jesus taught in Luke 15:17 “And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my fathers have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!” Thurston explains that we are not in control like we think we are. We should strive to focus on the one who is in control of even the smallest details of our lives.
Be sure to join us for the next part of the Prodigal Son, by subscribing to the Bear His Cross podcast on your favorite podcast provider.
Bear His Cross Podcast Host
David Marks
Host
David is the Registrar for the DeKalb County School System. A rural county in Alabama. He loves the “Mayberry” mentality to life. David is the product of a small town, and I feel the heartbeat of America lies in places like this across our country.
Thurston Garrett
Co-Host
Thurston Garrett is the pastor of Lacey’s Chapel Baptist Church located in Henagar, Alabama. Reverend Garrett has been working in the ministry and study of God’s word for many years in Alabama and Georgia.
