The Prodigal Son

Have you ever found yourself lost, only to discover that the path back home was lined with grace you never knew existed? This sermon peels back the layers of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, revealing a tale not just of a wayward child but a radical illustration of the Kingdom of God. We explore the nuances of Jesus's parable, contrasting the joyous celebration of God's love with the scorn of the Pharisees, and in doing so, we challenge the very structures they—and perhaps we—uphold.

The story of the father's unconditional embrace and the ensuing feast for his returned son becomes a powerful metaphor for our relationship with the Father. It's a call to introspection about our own reception of grace and how it shapes our understanding of our place at God's table--it's a heartfelt invitation to see beyond the cultural norms and to celebrate the transformative power of being known and loved.

We dissect the misconceptions held by both the younger and the older brother in the parable, and we dive into the perils that self-righteousness holds and the barriers it creates--keeping us from experiencing God's grace fully. The conversation prompts us to abandon the futile attempt to earn God's favor--reminding us of our inherent value is as children in the family of God. Join us as we reflect on humility, grace, and the jubilation that accompanies the realization of our true identity and worth.

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Parable, Prodigal Son, Grace, Redemption, Kingdom of God, Luke, Gospel, Pharisees, Reflection, Self-Examination, Divine Love, Self-Righteousness, Pride, Despair, Humility, Cynicism, Scorekeeping, Spiritual Journey, Relationships, Resources, Performance, Sacrifice, Need, God's Voice, Clarity, Humility, Doxa, Church, Eastside, Seattle, Redmond