“Come to Your Senses” (Celebrating the Lost being Found) (Billy Russell, 04/05/20)
Who Will Listen to Jesus? (A Chapter Study of Lk.15)
“Come to Your Senses” (Celebrating the Lost being Found)
(Lk.15:6-7; 9-10; 22-24, 32)
All 3 of Jesus’ stories conclude with celebration (much like the grand entry into Jerusalem of Passion Week). Celebration happens when people humble themselves and turn/return to our loving, restoring, forgiving Father.
Jesus Pictures Our Waywardness
Spiritual awareness- of the broken relationship sin causes.
Jesus puts these famous words within the heart of the prodigal son:
“when he came to his senses (himself)” (v.17, NIV/ESV).
Spiritual humbling- my way doesn’t work, I’ll go another Way (Jn.14:6)
“God cannot give what we will not admit we need.” (J.Denison)
Willingness to admit our need leads to a decisive moment.-V.Gideon
Spiritual & actual turning/returning- come to the Father on His terms.
Confession/repenting- essence of a lost person being found:
“I’ve sinned against heaven and against you” (vv.18, 21).
“... expect nothing ... receive everything.” (M.Card)
Jesus Pictures God as a Loving Father who...
Anticipates Reunion (v.20)- “But while he was still a long way off his
father saw him and was filled with compassion for him...”
Runs (v.20)- “he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed
him.” (The son confesses and repents, v.21.) Father receives!
Restores (vv.20-23)- “Quick bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a
ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Let’s have a feast
and celebrate.” Father delights and calls for celebration!
Rejoices (vv.24, 32)- “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he
was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate.”
Loves extravagantly- forgives/merciful! Oh, what a Father & Savior!
The Father’s love calls for great rejoicing when people come to Him.
This great love will cost Jesus His life on Good Friday.
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