Pause Week Two | The Parable of the Prodigal Son | Pastor Jordan Becnel

>> Church family, we just want to take a >> Church family, we just want to take a moment as your pastors and as parents moment as your pastors and as parents moment as your pastors and as parents ourselves, [music] ourselves, [music] ourselves, [music] one of the greatest privileges we have one of the greatest privileges we have one of the greatest privileges we have is coming alongside you as you raise is coming alongside you as you raise is coming alongside you as you raise your children to know and follow Jesus. your children to know and follow Jesus. your children to know and follow Jesus. [music] And there is a space we believe [music] And there is a space we believe [music] And there is a space we believe every middle and high school student every middle and high school student every middle and high school student should be in. It's [music] 12 conference should be in. It's [music] 12 conference should be in. It's [music] 12 conference happening on July 21st and 22nd in happening on July 21st and 22nd in happening on July 21st and 22nd in Tampa. Tampa. Tampa. >> Look, there are moments [music] in a >> Look, there are moments [music] in a >> Look, there are moments [music] in a young person's life that shape them young person's life that shape them young person's life that shape them forever. Not because they're in an arena forever. Not because they're in an arena forever. Not because they're in an arena or [music] the memories that they're or [music] the memories that they're or [music] the memories that they're going to make, but actually because they going to make, but actually because they going to make, but actually because they stepped into a room where God was moving stepped into a room where God was moving stepped into a room where God was moving and hearts were [music] open. And 12 and hearts were [music] open. And 12 and hearts were [music] open. And 12 conference, it's without a doubt, it is conference, it's without a doubt, it is conference, it's without a doubt, it is one of those rooms. So, for 2 days, one of those rooms. So, for 2 days, one of those rooms. So, for 2 days, [music] students are going to get to [music] students are going to get to [music] students are going to get to break away from like all the noise of break away from like all the noise of break away from like all the noise of the world, be surrounded by worship and the world, be surrounded by worship and the world, be surrounded by worship and prayer and the word of God and really prayer and the word of God and really prayer and the word of God and really other students who are running after God other students who are running after God other students who are running after God as well. as well. as well. >> Yeah, you know, as parents, you know how >> Yeah, you know, as parents, you know how >> Yeah, you know, as parents, you know how many voices [music] are speaking into many voices [music] are speaking into many voices [music] are speaking into your student's life. But at 12 your student's life. But at 12 your student's life. But at 12 conference, they are going to hear the conference, they are going to hear the conference, they are going to hear the one voice that matters [music] most and one voice that matters [music] most and one voice that matters [music] most and that is God's. You know, we have watched that is God's. You know, we have watched that is God's. You know, we have watched students find confidence and purpose students find confidence and purpose students find confidence and purpose [music] through the powerful sessions [music] through the powerful sessions [music] through the powerful sessions and intentional small group time. And and intentional small group time. And and intentional small group time. And that kind of community, it's priceless.

that kind of community, it's priceless. that kind of community, it's priceless. >> And then on top of all of the things God >> And then on top of all of the things God >> And then on top of all of the things God does in our sessions, your students are does in our sessions, your students are does in our sessions, your students are going to have a great time because once going to have a great time because once going to have a great time because once again, 12 conference, [music] again, 12 conference, [music] again, 12 conference, [music] we're taking over Bush Gardens right for we're taking over Bush Gardens right for we're taking over Bush Gardens right for the after party. It's going to be a the after party. It's going to be a the after party. It's going to be a unforgettable night and [music] really unforgettable night and [music] really unforgettable night and [music] really one more opportunity for them to build one more opportunity for them to build one more opportunity for them to build some great relationships that really some great relationships that really some great relationships that really matter. And then guess what, right? When matter. And then guess what, right? When matter. And then guess what, right? When your students sign up for 12 conference, your students sign up for 12 conference, your students sign up for 12 conference, they're going to get a Bush Gardens fun they're going to get a Bush Gardens fun they're going to get a Bush Gardens fun card that lets them go to the park even card that lets them go to the park even card that lets them go to the park even before the conference begins before the conference begins before the conference begins >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> all the way through the end of 2026. >> all the way through the end of 2026. >> all the way through the end of 2026. >> So exciting, so amazing, and we just >> So exciting, so amazing, and we just >> So exciting, so amazing, and we just want you to feel at peace knowing it is want you to feel at peace knowing it is want you to feel at peace knowing it is safe, it is intentional, and it is led safe, it is intentional, and it is led safe, it is intentional, and it is led by pastors and leaders who love your by pastors and leaders who love your by pastors and leaders who love your students deeply. You know, we prepare students deeply. You know, we prepare students deeply. You know, we prepare for months because we know the impact of for months because we know the impact of for months because we know the impact of these moments. [music] these moments. [music] these moments. [music] >> So we want to encourage you to get your >> So we want to encourage you to get your >> So we want to encourage you to get your student in the room. Give them a chance student in the room. Give them a chance student in the room. Give them a chance to encounter God really in a fresh way. to encounter God really in a fresh way. to encounter God really in a fresh way. And these experiences, [music] And these experiences, [music] And these experiences, [music] they're going to build their faith, they're going to build their faith, they're going to build their faith, anchor their identity, and really help anchor their identity, and really help anchor their identity, and really help them walk with God for the long haul. So them walk with God for the long haul. So them walk with God for the long haul. So registration, it's open right now, and registration, it's open right now, and registration, it's open right now, and we would love for your student to be a we would love for your student to be a we would love for your student to be a part of this life-changing event.

>> Oh. Hey, is this the place where >> Oh. Hey, is this the place where everybody loves Jesus? everybody loves Jesus? everybody loves Jesus? >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> Uh I I I must be the wrong place, my >> Uh I I I must be the wrong place, my >> Uh I I I must be the wrong place, my bad. Does anybody love JESUS IN THIS bad. Does anybody love JESUS IN THIS bad. Does anybody love JESUS IN THIS PLACE? [cheering] PLACE? [cheering] PLACE? [cheering] OH, OKAY. OKAY, I got it. We in the OH, OKAY. OKAY, I got it. We in the OH, OKAY. OKAY, I got it. We in the right place. What's up, everybody? You right place. What's up, everybody? You right place. What's up, everybody? You uh you good? You glad to be in the house uh you good? You glad to be in the house uh you good? You glad to be in the house of God today? of God today? of God today? Come on, it's a good place to be, better Come on, it's a good place to be, better Come on, it's a good place to be, better than the best hospital in town, I'd say. than the best hospital in town, I'd say. than the best hospital in town, I'd say. Hey, man. My name's Shawn, and I'm part Hey, man. My name's Shawn, and I'm part Hey, man. My name's Shawn, and I'm part of the team here at Bayside. Why don't of the team here at Bayside. Why don't of the team here at Bayside. Why don't we put our hands together and welcome we put our hands together and welcome we put our hands together and welcome all of our campuses, all those watching all of our campuses, all those watching all of our campuses, all those watching online all across the world, at the online all across the world, at the online all across the world, at the jails and the correctional facilities. jails and the correctional facilities. jails and the correctional facilities. Come on, SHOW YOUR LOVE. [screaming] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> MAN, WE are glad that you're here with >> MAN, WE are glad that you're here with >> MAN, WE are glad that you're here with us today. We are in our pause series, as us today. We are in our pause series, as us today. We are in our pause series, as Samuel was sharing with you a little Samuel was sharing with you a little Samuel was sharing with you a little while ago. Man, in our pause series, while ago. Man, in our pause series, while ago. Man, in our pause series, we've developed a reading plan. I just we've developed a reading plan. I just we've developed a reading plan. I just want to remind you of this that every want to remind you of this that every want to remind you of this that every day there is a devotional, some content day there is a devotional, some content day there is a devotional, some content curated, and we're actually doing it curated, and we're actually doing it curated, and we're actually doing it through our new app. So if you haven't through our new app. So if you haven't through our new app. So if you haven't got the app, you need to get on that, got the app, you need to get on that, got the app, you need to get on that, and make sure that you are following and make sure that you are following and make sure that you are following along each and every day through our along each and every day through our along each and every day through our pause series readings. So like when you pause series readings. So like when you pause series readings. So like when you get to your daily habits on the app, get to your daily habits on the app, get to your daily habits on the app, you'll find that scripture is first. We you'll find that scripture is first. We you'll find that scripture is first. We dive into God's word, and that's where dive into God's word, and that's where dive into God's word, and that's where you will find the pause reading every you will find the pause reading every you will find the pause reading every day for where we are in the parable that day for where we are in the parable that day for where we are in the parable that we are studying week to week through our we are studying week to week through our we are studying week to week through our series. And I love that it moves you series. And I love that it moves you series. And I love that it moves you straight from scripture into gratitude.

straight from scripture into gratitude. straight from scripture into gratitude. Come on, cuz in an anxious, stressed-out Come on, cuz in an anxious, stressed-out Come on, cuz in an anxious, stressed-out world that we're living in, the antidote world that we're living in, the antidote world that we're living in, the antidote for anxiety is gratitude. Come on, for anxiety is gratitude. Come on, for anxiety is gratitude. Come on, somebody. And so, when we just tell God, somebody. And so, when we just tell God, somebody. And so, when we just tell God, "Hey, thank you for this." Just the "Hey, thank you for this." Just the "Hey, thank you for this." Just the songs that we just sang this morning, songs that we just sang this morning, songs that we just sang this morning, "Thank you, God, for who you are and "Thank you, God, for who you are and "Thank you, God, for who you are and what you've done." Something about just what you've done." Something about just what you've done." Something about just that the weight just comes off of us, that the weight just comes off of us, that the weight just comes off of us, and just praying for each other as well. and just praying for each other as well. and just praying for each other as well. So, make sure you're following along in So, make sure you're following along in So, make sure you're following along in the app with us. It's going to be the app with us. It's going to be the app with us. It's going to be amazing, and we do this pause series amazing, and we do this pause series amazing, and we do this pause series every summer, not for some religious every summer, not for some religious every summer, not for some religious ritual, ritual, ritual, but proximity to his presence. but proximity to his presence. but proximity to his presence. That's what we're going after. And if we That's what we're going after. And if we That's what we're going after. And if we do it all together in unity, I just do it all together in unity, I just do it all together in unity, I just wonder what could God do through a wonder what could God do through a wonder what could God do through a church that's committed to his word, church that's committed to his word, church that's committed to his word, that's close to Jesus, and is close to that's close to Jesus, and is close to that's close to Jesus, and is close to one another. one another. one another. And I I just get excited just gets just And I I just get excited just gets just And I I just get excited just gets just thinking about what God might want to do thinking about what God might want to do thinking about what God might want to do in and through us, church. And so, this in and through us, church. And so, this in and through us, church. And so, this summer we're reading through several summer we're reading through several summer we're reading through several parables of Jesus, parables of Jesus, parables of Jesus, the things that these stories that Jesus the things that these stories that Jesus the things that these stories that Jesus taught from, and maybe asking, "What is taught from, and maybe asking, "What is taught from, and maybe asking, "What is God saying to me through this?" Pastor God saying to me through this?" Pastor God saying to me through this?" Pastor Bernard shared with us last week that Bernard shared with us last week that Bernard shared with us last week that every parable Jesus shared really tees every parable Jesus shared really tees every parable Jesus shared really tees us up to say, "Who are we in that us up to say, "Who are we in that us up to say, "Who are we in that story?" And so, let's dive into this story?" And so, let's dive into this story?" And so, let's dive into this week's parable found in Luke chapter 15.

week's parable found in Luke chapter 15. week's parable found in Luke chapter 15. If you have your Bibles, you want to go If you have your Bibles, you want to go If you have your Bibles, you want to go there with me. Luke chapter 15, and this there with me. Luke chapter 15, and this there with me. Luke chapter 15, and this parable, this story that Jesus shared is parable, this story that Jesus shared is parable, this story that Jesus shared is only found in the Gospel of Luke. only found in the Gospel of Luke. only found in the Gospel of Luke. And this Gospel of Luke, I kind of want And this Gospel of Luke, I kind of want And this Gospel of Luke, I kind of want to give you this beautiful emphasis that to give you this beautiful emphasis that to give you this beautiful emphasis that Luke weaves all throughout this Gospel, Luke weaves all throughout this Gospel, Luke weaves all throughout this Gospel, and it's this thought that you would see and it's this thought that you would see and it's this thought that you would see over and over and time and time again over and over and time and time again over and over and time and time again that Luke is trying to convey to anybody that Luke is trying to convey to anybody that Luke is trying to convey to anybody who would read this account that Jesus who would read this account that Jesus who would read this account that Jesus is not the savior for some people. Jesus is not the savior for some people. Jesus is not the savior for some people. Jesus is the savior of the world for all is the savior of the world for all is the savior of the world for all people. people. people. So you're going to see that you're going So you're going to see that you're going So you're going to see that you're going to as you read through this you're going to as you read through this you're going to as you read through this you're going to see that there's this beautiful thing to see that there's this beautiful thing to see that there's this beautiful thing that Luke is trying to get across to say that Luke is trying to get across to say that Luke is trying to get across to say Jesus came for everybody. Jesus came for everybody. Jesus came for everybody. Jesus came for the ones who were too far Jesus came for the ones who were too far Jesus came for the ones who were too far gone gone gone or forgotten or overlooked or even who or forgotten or overlooked or even who or forgotten or overlooked or even who even who feel disqualified. even who feel disqualified. even who feel disqualified. In Luke 15, Jesus is In Luke 15, Jesus is In Luke 15, Jesus is answering this question answering this question answering this question with these parables that was kind of with these parables that was kind of with these parables that was kind of teed up for him by the religious teed up for him by the religious teed up for him by the religious leaders, the Pharisees.

leaders, the Pharisees. leaders, the Pharisees. And we see in the very first two verses And we see in the very first two verses And we see in the very first two verses of this that the Pharisees ask this of this that the Pharisees ask this of this that the Pharisees ask this question of why Jesus keeps hanging out question of why Jesus keeps hanging out question of why Jesus keeps hanging out with the blatantly obvious sinners. Says with the blatantly obvious sinners. Says with the blatantly obvious sinners. Says in verse two, "This man in verse two, "This man in verse two, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." welcomes sinners and eats with them." welcomes sinners and eats with them." And so Jesus does a very Jesusy thing. I And so Jesus does a very Jesusy thing. I And so Jesus does a very Jesusy thing. I don't know if that's a word. don't know if that's a word. don't know if that's a word. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And he answers them with three stories. >> And he answers them with three stories. >> And he answers them with three stories. The parable of the lost sheep, The parable of the lost sheep, The parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin, the parable of the lost coin, the parable of the lost coin, and then this third story. Jesus really and then this third story. Jesus really and then this third story. Jesus really slows down to really evaluate our hearts slows down to really evaluate our hearts slows down to really evaluate our hearts in the parable of the prodigal son. in the parable of the prodigal son. in the parable of the prodigal son. Or maybe in your translation of the Or maybe in your translation of the Or maybe in your translation of the Bible it might say the parable of the Bible it might say the parable of the Bible it might say the parable of the compassionate father. We're going to compassionate father. We're going to compassionate father. We're going to read this together. read this together. read this together. Then we're going to allow the Holy Then we're going to allow the Holy Then we're going to allow the Holy Spirit to help us extract some truth Spirit to help us extract some truth Spirit to help us extract some truth from this of what the Lord might be from this of what the Lord might be from this of what the Lord might be saying to us today. saying to us today. saying to us today. We look and we start in verse 11. We look and we start in verse 11. We look and we start in verse 11. And Jesus continued.

And Jesus continued. And Jesus continued. He says, "There was a man who had two He says, "There was a man who had two He says, "There was a man who had two sons. sons. sons. The younger one said to his father, The younger one said to his father, The younger one said to his father, "Father, give me my share of the "Father, give me my share of the "Father, give me my share of the estate." estate." estate." So, he divided his property between So, he divided his property between So, he divided his property between them. them. them. Not long after that, the younger son got Not long after that, the younger son got Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a together all he had, set off for a together all he had, set off for a distant country, distant country, distant country, and there squandered his wealth in wild and there squandered his wealth in wild and there squandered his wealth in wild living. And after he spent everything, living. And after he spent everything, living. And after he spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole there was a severe famine in that whole there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. country, and he began to be in need. country, and he began to be in need. So, he went and hired himself out to a So, he went and hired himself out to a So, he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to citizen of that country, who sent him to citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. his fields to feed pigs. his fields to feed pigs. And he longed to fill his stomach with And he longed to fill his stomach with And he longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but the pods that the pigs were eating, but the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. no one gave him anything. no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, When he came to his senses, he said, When he came to his senses, he said, "How many of my father's hired servants "How many of my father's hired servants "How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am have food to spare, and here I am have food to spare, and here I am starving to death? starving to death? starving to death? I will set out and go back to my father I will set out and go back to my father I will set out and go back to my father and say to him, 'Father, and say to him, 'Father, and say to him, 'Father, I've sinned against heaven and against I've sinned against heaven and against I've sinned against heaven and against you. I'm no longer worthy to be called you. I'm no longer worthy to be called you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son.

your son. your son. Make me like one of your hired Make me like one of your hired Make me like one of your hired servants.'" servants.'" servants.'" So, he got up and he went to his father. So, he got up and he went to his father. So, he got up and he went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, But while he was still a long way off, But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, was filled with his father saw him, was filled with his father saw him, was filled with compassion for him. He ran to his son, compassion for him. He ran to his son, compassion for him. He ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed threw his arms around him, and kissed threw his arms around him, and kissed him. him. him. The son said to him, "Father, The son said to him, "Father, The son said to him, "Father, I've sinned against heaven and against I've sinned against heaven and against I've sinned against heaven and against you. you. you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your I'm no longer worthy to be called your I'm no longer worthy to be called your son." son." son." But the father said to his servants, But the father said to his servants, But the father said to his servants, "Quick! BRING THE BEST ROBE AND PUT IT "Quick! BRING THE BEST ROBE AND PUT IT "Quick! BRING THE BEST ROBE AND PUT IT ON HIM. PUT A ring on his finger and ON HIM. PUT A ring on his finger and ON HIM. PUT A ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead celebrate. For this son of mine was dead celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is and is alive again. He was lost and is and is alive again. He was lost and is found." found." found." So, they began to celebrate. Meanwhile, So, they began to celebrate. Meanwhile, So, they began to celebrate. Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. And when the older son was in the field. And when the older son was in the field. And when he came near the house, he heard music he came near the house, he heard music he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So, he called one of the and dancing. So, he called one of the and dancing. So, he called one of the servants and asked, "Hey, what's going servants and asked, "Hey, what's going servants and asked, "Hey, what's going on?" on?" on?" "Your brother has come," he replied, "Your brother has come," he replied, "Your brother has come," he replied, "and your father has killed the fattened "and your father has killed the fattened "and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and calf because he has him back safe and calf because he has him back safe and sound."

sound." sound." The older brother became angry and The older brother became angry and The older brother became angry and refused to go in. refused to go in. refused to go in. So, his father went out and pleaded with So, his father went out and pleaded with So, his father went out and pleaded with But, he answered his father, "Look, all But, he answered his father, "Look, all But, he answered his father, "Look, all these years I've been slaving for you these years I've been slaving for you these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. and never disobeyed your orders. and never disobeyed your orders. Yet, you never even gave me a young goat Yet, you never even gave me a young goat Yet, you never even gave me a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. so I could celebrate with my friends. so I could celebrate with my friends. But, when this son of yours who has But, when this son of yours who has But, when this son of yours who has squandered your property with squandered your property with squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the prostitutes comes home, you kill the prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him?" fattened calf for him?" fattened calf for him?" "My son," "My son," "My son," the father said, the father said, the father said, "you are always with me. "you are always with me. "you are always with me. And everything I have is yours. And everything I have is yours. And everything I have is yours. But, we had to celebrate and be glad But, we had to celebrate and be glad But, we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead because this brother of yours was dead because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again. and is alive again. and is alive again. He was lost He was lost He was lost and is found." and is found." and is found." Can you just close your eyes for a Can you just close your eyes for a Can you just close your eyes for a moment and let's just pause moment and let's just pause moment and let's just pause and let the Holy Spirit speak to our and let the Holy Spirit speak to our and let the Holy Spirit speak to our hearts hearts hearts from this parable.

Thank you that your word challenges us. Thank you that your word challenges us. It will reveal some things to us It will reveal some things to us It will reveal some things to us if we allow it to. if we allow it to. if we allow it to. So, I pray God that our hearts will be So, I pray God that our hearts will be So, I pray God that our hearts will be open that this wouldn't just be a story open that this wouldn't just be a story open that this wouldn't just be a story of biblical information, but of of biblical information, but of of biblical information, but of spiritual transformation for all of us. spiritual transformation for all of us. spiritual transformation for all of us. That not one of us would leave here the That not one of us would leave here the That not one of us would leave here the same, same, same, but forever changed by you. but forever changed by you. but forever changed by you. In Jesus' name. And everybody said with In Jesus' name. And everybody said with In Jesus' name. And everybody said with some anticipation. some anticipation. some anticipation. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. You know, this story >> Amen. You know, this story >> Amen. You know, this story isn't just about a prodigal son. isn't just about a prodigal son. isn't just about a prodigal son. Although many people focus on that Although many people focus on that Although many people focus on that particular story in this parable. particular story in this parable. particular story in this parable. It's not about a son who rebelled. It's not about a son who rebelled. It's not about a son who rebelled. It isn't just about a son who ran away It isn't just about a son who ran away It isn't just about a son who ran away and ran away from home and wasted and ran away from home and wasted and ran away from home and wasted everything. No, verse 11, Jesus starts everything. No, verse 11, Jesus starts everything. No, verse 11, Jesus starts out, he says, "There was a man out, he says, "There was a man out, he says, "There was a man who had two sons." who had two sons." who had two sons." This is a story about two sons and their This is a story about two sons and their This is a story about two sons and their father.

father. father. And Jesus guides us through this telling And Jesus guides us through this telling And Jesus guides us through this telling of this, giving us each side and of this, giving us each side and of this, giving us each side and perspective of every character in the perspective of every character in the perspective of every character in the story. story. story. He just happens to start with the He just happens to start with the He just happens to start with the younger son. younger son. younger son. Verse 12 says, "The younger one said to Verse 12 says, "The younger one said to Verse 12 says, "The younger one said to his father, his father, his father, probably filled with ambition, probably filled with ambition, probably filled with ambition, with some selfishness, with some pride with some selfishness, with some pride with some selfishness, with some pride and ego, and ego, and ego, Father, give me my share of the estate." Father, give me my share of the estate." Father, give me my share of the estate." So, he divided his property between So, he divided his property between So, he divided his property between them. them. them. Doesn't even say that the father fought Doesn't even say that the father fought Doesn't even say that the father fought him or him or him or gave any pushback, just gave it to him. gave any pushback, just gave it to him. gave any pushback, just gave it to him. And not long after that, the younger son And not long after that, the younger son And not long after that, the younger son got together everything that he had, got together everything that he had, got together everything that he had, and he set off for a distant country. and he set off for a distant country. and he set off for a distant country. And there he squandered his wealth in And there he squandered his wealth in And there he squandered his wealth in wild living. wild living. wild living. You know, as I thought about this home, You know, as I thought about this home, You know, as I thought about this home, I consider my own home. I consider my own home. I consider my own home. You know, in every home, there are many You know, in every home, there are many You know, in every home, there are many doors. doors. doors. And depending on the way in which you And depending on the way in which you And depending on the way in which you look at that door, look at that door, look at that door, would tell you whether it's a door to go would tell you whether it's a door to go would tell you whether it's a door to go in or a door to go out.

in or a door to go out. in or a door to go out. And we give all these doors in our homes And we give all these doors in our homes And we give all these doors in our homes labels. That's the front door, this is labels. That's the front door, this is labels. That's the front door, this is the back door, that's our bedroom door, the back door, that's our bedroom door, the back door, that's our bedroom door, this is my office door. this is my office door. this is my office door. And this young son had been looking at And this young son had been looking at And this young son had been looking at this door this door this door from inside the house from inside the house from inside the house for some time. for some time. for some time. So much so that he gave this door a So much so that he gave this door a So much so that he gave this door a label. It says that he set off for a label. It says that he set off for a label. It says that he set off for a distant country. distant country. distant country. Not home, Not home, Not home, but away. but away. but away. He was looking at the door as his way He was looking at the door as his way He was looking at the door as his way out out out that would lead to a wondrous place that that would lead to a wondrous place that that would lead to a wondrous place that would fulfill every one of his desires. would fulfill every one of his desires. would fulfill every one of his desires. That the grass was going to be greener That the grass was going to be greener That the grass was going to be greener on the other side of this door. on the other side of this door. on the other side of this door. He He viewed that door with the He He viewed that door with the He He viewed that door with the assumption assumption assumption that he would have no responsibilities, that he would have no responsibilities, that he would have no responsibilities, no accountability, no one to answer to no accountability, no one to answer to no accountability, no one to answer to but himself. but himself. but himself. And it was the promise that the world And it was the promise that the world And it was the promise that the world often offers us often offers us often offers us when we look at this door when we look at this door when we look at this door that just on the other side of it that just on the other side of it that just on the other side of it is this thing that we constantly pursue is this thing that we constantly pursue is this thing that we constantly pursue called comfort.

You know, if I'm honest, You know, if I'm honest, I've taken that door far too many times I've taken that door far too many times I've taken that door far too many times in my life. in my life. in my life. I think we're all honest, I think we're all honest, I think we're all honest, we probably stepped through that door we probably stepped through that door we probably stepped through that door thinking thinking thinking that it was going to be easier, that it that it was going to be easier, that it that it was going to be easier, that it was going to be better just on the other was going to be better just on the other was going to be better just on the other side. side. side. You know, when this son was looking at You know, when this son was looking at You know, when this son was looking at this door from inside the house, this door from inside the house, this door from inside the house, it was his way out. This was the door it was his way out. This was the door it was his way out. This was the door out. And you know what? The door out is out. And you know what? The door out is out. And you know what? The door out is exciting. exciting. exciting. It's intriguing. It's wondrous, but it's It's intriguing. It's wondrous, but it's It's intriguing. It's wondrous, but it's also and always also and always also and always disappointing. disappointing. disappointing. You know why? You know why? You know why? Because sin never satisfies. Because sin never satisfies. Because sin never satisfies. It'll never satisfy. It'll never satisfy. It'll never satisfy. Now, I don't know about you, and I don't Now, I don't know about you, and I don't Now, I don't know about you, and I don't know how you grew up, know how you grew up, know how you grew up, but I grew up with a southern mama. but I grew up with a southern mama. but I grew up with a southern mama. And so, I heard all the classics growing And so, I heard all the classics growing And so, I heard all the classics growing up. Were you born in a barn? up. Were you born in a barn? up. Were you born in a barn? Shut the door. Shut the door. Shut the door. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I'm not paying for the air condition of >> I'm not paying for the air condition of >> I'm not paying for the air condition of this whole neighborhood.

And listen, me and my brothers, we leave And listen, me and my brothers, we leave every door open, you know, front door, every door open, you know, front door, every door open, you know, front door, refrigerator door, pantry door. I mean, refrigerator door, pantry door. I mean, refrigerator door, pantry door. I mean, every door was open. every door was open. every door was open. And we would just constantly just go And we would just constantly just go And we would just constantly just go about not even considering that the door about not even considering that the door about not even considering that the door was open. And I think my mom prayed some was open. And I think my mom prayed some was open. And I think my mom prayed some prayers because my kids are now doing it prayers because my kids are now doing it prayers because my kids are now doing it to me. to me. to me. Most nights in my home, I go through Most nights in my home, I go through Most nights in my home, I go through like a a Publix manager closing up shop like a a Publix manager closing up shop like a a Publix manager closing up shop every night. Like, well, unlock that. I every night. Like, well, unlock that. I every night. Like, well, unlock that. I got to shut this. Got to put this away, got to shut this. Got to put this away, got to shut this. Got to put this away, you know? But and I think in Florida, we you know? But and I think in Florida, we you know? But and I think in Florida, we understand doors probably better than understand doors probably better than understand doors probably better than most because if you leave a door open most because if you leave a door open most because if you leave a door open for more than 3 seconds, you've let in for more than 3 seconds, you've let in for more than 3 seconds, you've let in 20 mosquitoes, a lizard, and a a bug 20 mosquitoes, a lizard, and a a bug 20 mosquitoes, a lizard, and a a bug that you can't identify, but it keeps that you can't identify, but it keeps that you can't identify, but it keeps kamikazeing you. These doors of our life. These doors of our life. You know, You know, You know, most of us most of us most of us never really get the opportunity never really get the opportunity never really get the opportunity to actually go out like this story and to actually go out like this story and to actually go out like this story and get our inheritance and run off to get our inheritance and run off to get our inheritance and run off to Vegas. Vegas. Vegas. I don't think that's generally something I don't think that's generally something I don't think that's generally something that we see a whole lot happening, but that we see a whole lot happening, but that we see a whole lot happening, but you know what we do find ourselves you know what we do find ourselves you know what we do find ourselves going out this door, we actually find going out this door, we actually find going out this door, we actually find ourselves drifting out of this door.

ourselves drifting out of this door. ourselves drifting out of this door. One thought, One thought, One thought, one fantasy, one fantasy, one fantasy, one step towards comfort, one step towards comfort, one step towards comfort, towards ease towards ease towards ease at a time. at a time. at a time. We drift in different ways. We drift in different ways. We drift in different ways. We find ourselves drifting in very We find ourselves drifting in very We find ourselves drifting in very normal ways to society. normal ways to society. normal ways to society. We drift into busyness We drift into busyness We drift into busyness because it's easier to be busy than because it's easier to be busy than because it's easier to be busy than actually dealing with stuff actually dealing with stuff actually dealing with stuff at home or in our own hearts. at home or in our own hearts. at home or in our own hearts. We drift into beach weekends and travel We drift into beach weekends and travel We drift into beach weekends and travel ball to keep up with the Joneses. ball to keep up with the Joneses. ball to keep up with the Joneses. We drift into Netflix asking you, "Are We drift into Netflix asking you, "Are We drift into Netflix asking you, "Are you still watching?" And I'm like, "Mind you still watching?" And I'm like, "Mind you still watching?" And I'm like, "Mind your own business, Netflix." your own business, Netflix." your own business, Netflix." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> We drift into Disney. >> We drift into Disney. >> We drift into Disney. Disney will help you drift financially. Disney will help you drift financially. Disney will help you drift financially. Help us, Lord. Help us, Lord. Help us, Lord. But the distant country always seems But the distant country always seems But the distant country always seems exciting exciting exciting until you get on the other side of it until you get on the other side of it until you get on the other side of it and it's empty. You know, sometimes you don't realize You know, sometimes you don't realize what the house has been giving you until what the house has been giving you until what the house has been giving you until you leave it.

you leave it. you leave it. And all the parents of teenagers said, And all the parents of teenagers said, And all the parents of teenagers said, "Amen." The house had been feeding this young The house had been feeding this young son longer than he realized. The The son longer than he realized. The The son longer than he realized. The The father had been covering him and father had been covering him and father had been covering him and protecting him longer than he protecting him longer than he protecting him longer than he understood. The family had been forming understood. The family had been forming understood. The family had been forming him, it molding him, shaping him more him, it molding him, shaping him more him, it molding him, shaping him more than he was willing to admit. I want us than he was willing to admit. I want us than he was willing to admit. I want us to see this. What the younger son had in to see this. What the younger son had in to see this. What the younger son had in the father's house. the father's house. the father's house. Purpose was in the father's house. Purpose was in the father's house. Purpose was in the father's house. Provision was in the father's house. Provision was in the father's house. Provision was in the father's house. Protection was in the father's house. Protection was in the father's house. Protection was in the father's house. And this son couldn't see it or maybe he And this son couldn't see it or maybe he And this son couldn't see it or maybe he forgot or maybe he just took it for forgot or maybe he just took it for forgot or maybe he just took it for granted. granted. granted. And the first tragedy of this story is And the first tragedy of this story is And the first tragedy of this story is not that he wasted all the money, not that he wasted all the money, not that he wasted all the money, but instead he left his father. Listen to me, Christ follower. Listen to me, Christ follower. Distance from the father always seems to Distance from the father always seems to Distance from the father always seems to promise freedom, promise freedom, promise freedom, but eventually produces emptiness.

Maybe you look at this story Maybe you look at this story and you think about the door and you and you think about the door and you and you think about the door and you think about others that have walked out think about others that have walked out think about others that have walked out on you. on you. on you. The heartache, the rejection, the The heartache, the rejection, the The heartache, the rejection, the breakup, the affair, the divorce, a breakup, the affair, the divorce, a breakup, the affair, the divorce, a child that's chosen a life to just run child that's chosen a life to just run child that's chosen a life to just run away from you and run away from God and away from you and run away from God and away from you and run away from God and you wondering, "Will they ever come you wondering, "Will they ever come you wondering, "Will they ever come home?" home?" home?" Maybe that's the part that's hard to Maybe that's the part that's hard to Maybe that's the part that's hard to resolve in your heart. resolve in your heart. resolve in your heart. You know, in either case, You know, in either case, You know, in either case, in all of us there's a a big need, a in all of us there's a a big need, a in all of us there's a a big need, a void, void, void, that needs to be filled and we often try that needs to be filled and we often try that needs to be filled and we often try to figure out how to do it on our own. to figure out how to do it on our own. to figure out how to do it on our own. Just like this younger son. And then And then he goes hungry. Verse 14 says he began to be in need. Verse 14 says he began to be in need. Then it says he went and hired himself Then it says he went and hired himself Then it says he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country out to a citizen of that country out to a citizen of that country who sent him to his fields who sent him to his fields who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. to feed pigs. to feed pigs. You know what's so interesting about You know what's so interesting about You know what's so interesting about this this little detail in here in the this this little detail in here in the this this little detail in here in the story that Jesus kind of carves in story that Jesus kind of carves in story that Jesus kind of carves in is because pigs were considered unclean is because pigs were considered unclean is because pigs were considered unclean animals under the law of Moses.

animals under the law of Moses. animals under the law of Moses. Israelites were forbidden to eat pork or Israelites were forbidden to eat pork or Israelites were forbidden to eat pork or even touch a pig's carcass. even touch a pig's carcass. even touch a pig's carcass. And so the pig pen was not merely a bad And so the pig pen was not merely a bad And so the pig pen was not merely a bad job or a filthy job, it was representing job or a filthy job, it was representing job or a filthy job, it was representing absolute rock bottom. absolute rock bottom. absolute rock bottom. You ever been there? You ever been there? You ever been there? No, I have. No, I have. No, I have. And the son didn't end up in the pig pen And the son didn't end up in the pig pen And the son didn't end up in the pig pen overnight. overnight. overnight. No, he drifted there. No, he drifted there. No, he drifted there. One decision, One decision, One decision, one step, one choice, one purchase, one one step, one choice, one purchase, one one step, one choice, one purchase, one appetite at a time. appetite at a time. appetite at a time. That empty stomach, That empty stomach, That empty stomach, that barren soul. that barren soul. that barren soul. And that start making you really think And that start making you really think And that start making you really think about some things. about some things. about some things. This young boy is in this pig pen and he This young boy is in this pig pen and he This young boy is in this pig pen and he he begins it says that he comes to his he begins it says that he comes to his he begins it says that he comes to his senses. senses. senses. And he said, "Man, how many of my And he said, "Man, how many of my And he said, "Man, how many of my father's servants have food to spare and father's servants have food to spare and father's servants have food to spare and here I am starving to death. here I am starving to death. here I am starving to death. You know, I'm going to set out and go You know, I'm going to set out and go You know, I'm going to set out and go back to my father and say to him, 'Hey back to my father and say to him, 'Hey back to my father and say to him, 'Hey father, look I have sinned against father, look I have sinned against father, look I have sinned against heaven and against you.

heaven and against you. heaven and against you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your I'm no longer worthy to be called your I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired son. Make me like one of your hired son. Make me like one of your hired servants.'" servants.'" servants.'" Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's what I'm going to tell him. That's what I'm going to tell him. That's what I'm going to tell him. Just maybe maybe then he would let me Just maybe maybe then he would let me Just maybe maybe then he would let me back in. back in. back in. So, he got up and went to his father. So, he got up and went to his father. So, he got up and went to his father. Back to the door Back to the door Back to the door that he originally that he originally that he originally walked through. walked through. walked through. This is the door home. This is the door home. This is the door home. It doesn't look like it from the It doesn't look like it from the It doesn't look like it from the original perspective, right? It was the original perspective, right? It was the original perspective, right? It was the door out. door out. door out. But the door home always on the other But the door home always on the other But the door home always on the other side of it side of it side of it of that door out, you have to come back of that door out, you have to come back of that door out, you have to come back humbly, humbly, humbly, repentant, repentant, repentant, to come back home. to come back home. to come back home. You know, if any one of you has ever You know, if any one of you has ever You know, if any one of you has ever asked for forgiveness, you know the asked for forgiveness, you know the asked for forgiveness, you know the wrestle, the challenge, the tension. Why wrestle, the challenge, the tension. Why wrestle, the challenge, the tension. Why we try to avoid it, it's because of the we try to avoid it, it's because of the we try to avoid it, it's because of the humiliation that we feel that it does to humiliation that we feel that it does to humiliation that we feel that it does to us. And our our character is being us. And our our character is being us. And our our character is being assassinated. assassinated. assassinated. Generally, we avoid that posture Generally, we avoid that posture Generally, we avoid that posture admitting we're we are wrong to avoid admitting we're we are wrong to avoid admitting we're we are wrong to avoid the embarrassment of walking back the embarrassment of walking back the embarrassment of walking back through that door.

through that door. through that door. Could they ever let me back into that Could they ever let me back into that Could they ever let me back into that door? door? door? You know what causes that thought You know what causes that thought You know what causes that thought process? process? process? You know what we're really trying to You know what we're really trying to You know what we're really trying to escape from? It's not the humiliation. escape from? It's not the humiliation. escape from? It's not the humiliation. It's called shame. It's called shame. It's called shame. You know what shame stands for? You know what shame stands for? You know what shame stands for? It's a sin holding account that It's a sin holding account that It's a sin holding account that manipulates your emotions. And shame doesn't always And shame doesn't always keep you from church. keep you from church. keep you from church. And many of us come to church with And many of us come to church with And many of us come to church with shame. shame. shame. Shame will let you sing the songs, but Shame will let you sing the songs, but Shame will let you sing the songs, but it won't let you receive the love. it won't let you receive the love. it won't let you receive the love. Shame will let you come home, but it Shame will let you come home, but it Shame will let you come home, but it will try to convince you to come home as will try to convince you to come home as will try to convince you to come home as a servant and not a son. a servant and not a son. a servant and not a son. Church, don't miss this. Church, don't miss this. Church, don't miss this. Here's the son. Here's the son. Here's the son. Ready to repent, but he is full of Ready to repent, but he is full of Ready to repent, but he is full of shame. shame. shame. And when you are full of shame or you're And when you are full of shame or you're And when you are full of shame or you're letting shame minister to you, it will letting shame minister to you, it will letting shame minister to you, it will always always give you a wrong view of always always give you a wrong view of always always give you a wrong view of the Father.

the Father. the Father. And it will always distort and And it will always distort and And it will always distort and manipulate who you are as well and will manipulate who you are as well and will manipulate who you are as well and will take away your identity. take away your identity. take away your identity. It's been doing it It's been doing it It's been doing it since the first mistake ever made in the since the first mistake ever made in the since the first mistake ever made in the garden to every mistake after. garden to every mistake after. garden to every mistake after. Let me share with you what I think God Let me share with you what I think God Let me share with you what I think God would say to you in this place. would say to you in this place. would say to you in this place. If you feel like you're carrying some If you feel like you're carrying some If you feel like you're carrying some shame, he would say, "Shame off of you shame, he would say, "Shame off of you shame, he would say, "Shame off of you in Jesus' name." in Jesus' name." in Jesus' name." Cuz too many of us are going, "Shame on Cuz too many of us are going, "Shame on Cuz too many of us are going, "Shame on you." you." you." And God's going, "Shame off of you. And God's going, "Shame off of you. And God's going, "Shame off of you. Brush your shoulders off. Brush your shoulders off. Brush your shoulders off. You don't need to carry that no more." Sadly, Sadly, this is where many of us are living this is where many of us are living this is where many of us are living spiritually. spiritually. spiritually. We believe God might forgive us, We believe God might forgive us, We believe God might forgive us, but I don't know if we believe God will but I don't know if we believe God will but I don't know if we believe God will fully restore us fully restore us fully restore us unless we work for it unless we work for it unless we work for it like a servant. like a servant. like a servant. We believe we can come back to church, We believe we can come back to church, We believe we can come back to church, but maybe we assume that we have to sit but maybe we assume that we have to sit but maybe we assume that we have to sit in the back emotionally or maybe even in the back emotionally or maybe even in the back emotionally or maybe even physically. physically. physically. Shame has so many sons and daughters of Shame has so many sons and daughters of Shame has so many sons and daughters of God sidelined as a servant God sidelined as a servant God sidelined as a servant and convinced that they ought to and convinced that they ought to and convinced that they ought to surrender their sonship or their surrender their sonship or their surrender their sonship or their daughtership.

Shame Shame is causing this young man to give up his sonship and think the to give up his sonship and think the only way I go back home only way I go back home only way I go back home is if I'm a servant. is if I'm a servant. is if I'm a servant. It's the only way my father will accept It's the only way my father will accept It's the only way my father will accept me. But then the story shifts. But then the story shifts. Jesus turns our attention from this Jesus turns our attention from this Jesus turns our attention from this shame-filled son shame-filled son shame-filled son and shows us the Father. and shows us the Father. and shows us the Father. Verse 20 it says, "But while he was Verse 20 it says, "But while he was Verse 20 it says, "But while he was still a long way off, still a long way off, still a long way off, it says he saw him it says he saw him it says he saw him and WAS FILLED WITH COMPASSION FOR HIM. and WAS FILLED WITH COMPASSION FOR HIM. and WAS FILLED WITH COMPASSION FOR HIM. And he ran to his son, threw his arms And he ran to his son, threw his arms And he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. around him, and kissed him. around him, and kissed him. Man, I love how it says he sees him. Why Man, I love how it says he sees him. Why Man, I love how it says he sees him. Why does the father see them? Was he just does the father see them? Was he just does the father see them? Was he just walking by the door just at the right walking by the door just at the right walking by the door just at the right time? No, it means that he never stopped time? No, it means that he never stopped time? No, it means that he never stopped looking for him. looking for him. looking for him. He kept the door cracked just in case, He kept the door cracked just in case, He kept the door cracked just in case, looking each and every day, is my son looking each and every day, is my son looking each and every day, is my son coming home? Maybe this is the day.

coming home? Maybe this is the day. coming home? Maybe this is the day. And then it says he he was moved with And then it says he he was moved with And then it says he he was moved with compassion. The word compassion here compassion. The word compassion here compassion. The word compassion here means to be moved from your innermost means to be moved from your innermost means to be moved from your innermost parts. It was a whole body ache of love. parts. It was a whole body ache of love. parts. It was a whole body ache of love. And then he runs to him. And the word And then he runs to him. And the word And then he runs to him. And the word run is talking about an athlete that is run is talking about an athlete that is run is talking about an athlete that is advancing with their full effort towards advancing with their full effort towards advancing with their full effort towards a purpose. a purpose. a purpose. And this father's purpose And this father's purpose And this father's purpose was his son. was his son. was his son. Hey, listen to me. Hey, listen to me. Hey, listen to me. God's purpose God's purpose God's purpose is you. It always has been. It always has been. It always will be. So, when the father ran to meet him, So, when the father ran to meet him, I have to consider how the son might I have to consider how the son might I have to consider how the son might have responded. Whoa, he's kind of have responded. Whoa, he's kind of have responded. Whoa, he's kind of running kind of fast. running kind of fast. running kind of fast. Is there about to be an altercation Is there about to be an altercation Is there about to be an altercation here? here? here? Do I need to embrace myself for impact? Because this was scandalous. Because this was scandalous. Because Because Because no no no rightful rightful rightful elder elder elder older man older man older man would ever run in public.

would ever run in public. would ever run in public. Because running meant hiking up his robe Because running meant hiking up his robe Because running meant hiking up his robe and exposing his legs, and exposing his legs, and exposing his legs, which was said to be shameful. which was said to be shameful. which was said to be shameful. So, the father's sprint down the road So, the father's sprint down the road So, the father's sprint down the road was already was already was already scandalous. scandalous. scandalous. He took on humiliation so his son He took on humiliation so his son He took on humiliation so his son wouldn't have to face it alone. wouldn't have to face it alone. wouldn't have to face it alone. Are you hearing me, church? And this father was running And this father was running to get to his son maybe before anybody to get to his son maybe before anybody to get to his son maybe before anybody else would reject him. Before the son could get to the door, Before the son could get to the door, the father ran through it. And this door the father ran through it. And this door the father ran through it. And this door that he thought would be labeled shame, that he thought would be labeled shame, that he thought would be labeled shame, guilt, condemnation, rejection was marked with grace. was marked with grace. >> [applause] >> The moment that son left that door, >> The moment that son left that door, there was a door stop that kept it open there was a door stop that kept it open there was a door stop that kept it open labeled grace.

labeled grace. labeled grace. Grace, what is grace? Grace, what is grace? Grace, what is grace? Grace is the unmerited favor of God. You Grace is the unmerited favor of God. You Grace is the unmerited favor of God. You know what that means? You can't earn it. know what that means? You can't earn it. know what that means? You can't earn it. You don't deserve it. You don't deserve it. You don't deserve it. And yet he gives it to you anyway. And yet he gives it to you anyway. And yet he gives it to you anyway. And and Jesus just goes on and he And and Jesus just goes on and he And and Jesus just goes on and he actually allows in this storyline he he actually allows in this storyline he he actually allows in this storyline he he repeats the rehearsed speech that this repeats the rehearsed speech that this repeats the rehearsed speech that this son had twice to make sure every son had twice to make sure every son had twice to make sure every listener would know, "Hey, he knew he listener would know, "Hey, he knew he listener would know, "Hey, he knew he was guilty. He knew. was guilty. He knew. was guilty. He knew. Father, I've sinned against heaven and Father, I've sinned against heaven and Father, I've sinned against heaven and against you. I'm no longer worthy to be against you. I'm no longer worthy to be against you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son." Why did Jesus put it called your son." Why did Jesus put it called your son." Why did Jesus put it in twice? Why did he want us to know he in twice? Why did he want us to know he in twice? Why did he want us to know he was guilty? He should have been was guilty? He should have been was guilty? He should have been punished. He should have been outcast. punished. He should have been outcast. punished. He should have been outcast. He should have been rejected. And in the He should have been rejected. And in the He should have been rejected. And in the scope of the law and justice and scope of the law and justice and scope of the law and justice and fairness, the son was right. fairness, the son was right. fairness, the son was right. But the father in in this story But the father in in this story But the father in in this story completely ignores his son's speech and completely ignores his son's speech and completely ignores his son's speech and he comes to him and responds to him as he comes to him and responds to him as he comes to him and responds to him as if he was a returning war hero. "Quick, if he was a returning war hero. "Quick, if he was a returning war hero. "Quick, BRING THE BEST ROBE AND PUT IT ON HIM.

BRING THE BEST ROBE AND PUT IT ON HIM. BRING THE BEST ROBE AND PUT IT ON HIM. PUT A RING and some sandals. PUT A RING and some sandals. PUT A RING and some sandals. Get Get the fattened calf and kill it. Get Get the fattened calf and kill it. Get Get the fattened calf and kill it. Let's celebrate. Let's celebrate. Let's celebrate. It's a party. It's a party. It's a party. Many of us go in this moment Many of us go in this moment Many of us go in this moment putting ourselves in the the same putting ourselves in the the same putting ourselves in the the same position as the father and position as the father and position as the father and questioning, did he ignore questioning, did he ignore questioning, did he ignore what the son did? Listen to me, church. what the son did? Listen to me, church. what the son did? Listen to me, church. Grace does not ignore sin. Read Romans Grace does not ignore sin. Read Romans Grace does not ignore sin. Read Romans 6, but grace restores what sin 6, but grace restores what sin 6, but grace restores what sin destroyed. destroyed. destroyed. >> [applause] >> The father was more ready >> The father was more ready to restore him than he was ready for his to restore him than he was ready for his to restore him than he was ready for his son to try to explain himself to him. son to try to explain himself to him. son to try to explain himself to him. And he gives him some things to prove And he gives him some things to prove And he gives him some things to prove it. He gives him a robe. You know what it. He gives him a robe. You know what it. He gives him a robe. You know what the robe represents? This is how grace the robe represents? This is how grace the robe represents? This is how grace covers shame. And he gives him a ring. covers shame. And he gives him a ring. covers shame. And he gives him a ring. You know what the ring represents? This You know what the ring represents? This You know what the ring represents? This is how grace restores identity. is how grace restores identity. is how grace restores identity. This is who you are, son. This is who you are, son. This is who you are, son. You're mine. You always have been. And You're mine. You always have been. And You're mine. You always have been. And he gives him a reception. This is where he gives him a reception. This is where he gives him a reception. This is where grace celebrates restoration.

Now, in this amazing moment Now, in this amazing moment of celebration, of celebration, of celebration, this restored relationship between a this restored relationship between a this restored relationship between a father and a son, father and a son, father and a son, it would be amazing that if Jesus were it would be amazing that if Jesus were it would be amazing that if Jesus were to just wrap it up right here. That's a to just wrap it up right here. That's a to just wrap it up right here. That's a good story, Jesus. good story, Jesus. good story, Jesus. Let's just put a bow on it. Let's just put a bow on it. Let's just put a bow on it. But then verse 25 says, But then verse 25 says, But then verse 25 says, "Meanwhile, the older son was in the "Meanwhile, the older son was in the "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field, and when he came near the house, field, and when he came near the house, field, and when he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So, he he heard music and dancing. So, he he heard music and dancing. So, he called one of the servants and asked called one of the servants and asked called one of the servants and asked him, 'Hey, what's going on?'" him, 'Hey, what's going on?'" him, 'Hey, what's going on?'" "Your brother has come," he replied, "Your brother has come," he replied, "Your brother has come," he replied, "and your father's killed the fattened "and your father's killed the fattened "and your father's killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and calf because he has him back safe and calf because he has him back safe and sound." The older brother became angry, sound." The older brother became angry, sound." The older brother became angry, refused to go in, so his father went out refused to go in, so his father went out refused to go in, so his father went out and pleaded with him. and pleaded with him. and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, "Look, But he answered his father, "Look, But he answered his father, "Look, all these years I've been slaving for all these years I've been slaving for all these years I've been slaving for you, you, you, and never disobeyed your orders, yet you and never disobeyed your orders, yet you and never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me even a young goat so I never gave me even a young goat so I never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. could celebrate with my friends. could celebrate with my friends. Okay, please don't miss this. Okay, please don't miss this. Okay, please don't miss this. This next verse, this is the point of This next verse, this is the point of This next verse, this is the point of the whole parable. the whole parable. the whole parable. This is grace in its rawest form.

This is grace in its rawest form. This is grace in its rawest form. But when this son of yours But when this son of yours But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with who has squandered your property with who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, prostitutes comes home, prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him? You know the sad thing You know the sad thing that I see here? that I see here? that I see here? It's some of the most judgmental people It's some of the most judgmental people It's some of the most judgmental people are in the house already. We better be careful when judging We better be careful when judging someone else's story or we'll miss the father right in front or we'll miss the father right in front of us. The father gave the younger son The father gave the younger son precisely what he didn't deserve.

Because that's Because that's not not not fair. Come on, if you're a parent, you've Come on, if you're a parent, you've heard those words before. heard those words before. heard those words before. One kid gets the bigger piece of pie, One kid gets the bigger piece of pie, One kid gets the bigger piece of pie, that's not fair. that's not fair. that's not fair. One gets to stay up a little later than One gets to stay up a little later than One gets to stay up a little later than the other, that's not fair. the other, that's not fair. the other, that's not fair. One gets to go out with some friends and One gets to go out with some friends and One gets to go out with some friends and the other doesn't, that's not fair. the other doesn't, that's not fair. the other doesn't, that's not fair. And maybe we consider that this older And maybe we consider that this older And maybe we consider that this older brother brother brother would be past that, more mature. would be past that, more mature. would be past that, more mature. And yet he's saying, And yet he's saying, And yet he's saying, "That's not fair." And you know, every parent eventually And you know, every parent eventually gives the classic theological response, gives the classic theological response, gives the classic theological response, "Life's not fair." Which, by the way, is not comforting at Which, by the way, is not comforting at all when you're 8 years old. Just some all when you're 8 years old. Just some all when you're 8 years old. Just some parenting advice. This is the tension in the story. This is the tension in the story. And honestly, the older brother's right. And honestly, the older brother's right. And honestly, the older brother's right. But here's the thing. But here's the thing. But here's the thing. This is the thing that as we read This is the thing that as we read This is the thing that as we read through this parable this week, that through this parable this week, that through this parable this week, that should continually bring us to our knees should continually bring us to our knees should continually bring us to our knees with so much overwhelming gratitude.

with so much overwhelming gratitude. with so much overwhelming gratitude. Because the truth is Because the truth is Because the truth is is that grace isn't fair. is that grace isn't fair. is that grace isn't fair. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> It's not fair. You know, both boys You know, both boys thought that the father's response thought that the father's response thought that the father's response should reflect what they deserve. should reflect what they deserve. should reflect what they deserve. They both thought that they They both thought that they They both thought that they that he should be taking their behavior that he should be taking their behavior that he should be taking their behavior into account. into account. into account. They both thought that their past They both thought that their past They both thought that their past performance should be considered. performance should be considered. performance should be considered. But the father's story wasn't about But the father's story wasn't about But the father's story wasn't about behavior. His story was about something behavior. His story was about something behavior. His story was about something else entirely. else entirely. else entirely. Because what the boys had or had not Because what the boys had or had not Because what the boys had or had not done was completely irrelevant to the done was completely irrelevant to the done was completely irrelevant to the father. Verse 31. Verse 31. "My son," the father says, "My son," the father says, "My son," the father says, "you're always with me and everything I "you're always with me and everything I "you're always with me and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate.

But we had to celebrate. We had to celebrate." That was the whole answer That was the whole answer to why Jesus welcomed sinners in. And he did it And he did it without requiring anything without requiring anything without requiring anything from them first. from them first. from them first. No mention of the wasted inheritance or No mention of the wasted inheritance or No mention of the wasted inheritance or the embarrassment and humiliation this the embarrassment and humiliation this the embarrassment and humiliation this caused the family or you got to go caused the family or you got to go caused the family or you got to go through the growth track or you got to through the growth track or you got to through the growth track or you got to get into a group. No, simply put God get into a group. No, simply put God get into a group. No, simply put God celebrates first and foremost restored celebrates first and foremost restored celebrates first and foremost restored relationships. relationships. relationships. He always has and he always will. He always has and he always will. He always has and he always will. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> This [cheering] is the love, the nature, >> This [cheering] is the love, the nature, >> This [cheering] is the love, the nature, the character of our heavenly father. the character of our heavenly father. the character of our heavenly father. But we had to celebrate. But we had to celebrate. But we had to celebrate. Because this brother of yours was dead Because this brother of yours was dead Because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again. and is alive again. and is alive again. He was lost and is found.

Maybe in your life right now Maybe in your life right now you're considering walking out the door. Maybe things aren't going great at your Maybe things aren't going great at your home. And you're considering, hey, maybe it'd And you're considering, hey, maybe it'd be a lot easier if I'm on the other side be a lot easier if I'm on the other side be a lot easier if I'm on the other side of this thing. Maybe you already find yourself in the Maybe you already find yourself in the distant country. And that leads us to one more door that And that leads us to one more door that I see in this story.

I see in this story. I see in this story. And you have to look a little deeper to And you have to look a little deeper to And you have to look a little deeper to see this door because it's the door see this door because it's the door see this door because it's the door to our hearts to our hearts to our hearts that this story makes us wrestle with. Revelation 3:20 says this, Revelation 3:20 says this, "Behold, "Behold, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. I stand at the door and knock. I stand at the door and knock. And if anyone hears my voice and opens And if anyone hears my voice and opens And if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, the door, the door, I will come in I will come in I will come in and will eat with them and will eat with them and will eat with them and they with me." and they with me." and they with me." You know, in the father's story, You know, in the father's story, You know, in the father's story, he loves you no matter what you've done. he loves you no matter what you've done. he loves you no matter what you've done. In the father's story, he doesn't love In the father's story, he doesn't love In the father's story, he doesn't love you because of what you've done. you because of what you've done. you because of what you've done. In the father's story, he could not love In the father's story, he could not love In the father's story, he could not love you any more and he could not love you you any more and he could not love you you any more and he could not love you any less. any less. any less. It's a better story. It's a better story. It's a better story. It's a story of grace, It's a story of grace, It's a story of grace, grace grace grace >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> of God.

So, the next time So, the next time you mess up, you mess up, you mess up, grace is going to be there. Or when you're confused [music] Or when you're confused [music] and unsettled and unsettled and unsettled and upset and upset and upset about how things are turning out, about how things are turning out, about how things are turning out, grace grace grace will be there. is that we would give up our version of is that we would give up our version of the story the story the story and that we would open up the door to and that we would open up the door to and that we would open up the door to our heart our heart our heart and pick up his version and pick up his version and pick up his version of the story. of the story. of the story. Today, the father isn't waiting with Today, the father isn't waiting with Today, the father isn't waiting with crossed arms for you to come back home crossed arms for you to come back home crossed arms for you to come back home and waiting for you to [music] come and waiting for you to [music] come and waiting for you to [music] come through that door through that door through that door just to simply TELL YOU, "GET OUT OF just to simply TELL YOU, "GET OUT OF just to simply TELL YOU, "GET OUT OF HERE. HERE. HERE. YOU DON'T BELONG HERE.

YOU DON'T BELONG HERE. YOU DON'T BELONG HERE. Not with what you've done." You know what that sounds like? You know what that sounds like? Sounds like the voice of an accuser. Sounds like the voice Sounds like the voice of the enemy, of the enemy, of the enemy, of Satan, of Satan, of Satan, trying to convince you trying to convince you trying to convince you home is not an option. home is not an option. home is not an option. Grace is not an option. Grace is not an option. Grace is not an option. But your father isn't standing here But your father isn't standing here But your father isn't standing here with arms crossed. with arms crossed. with arms crossed. He's looking and waiting and watching He's looking and waiting and watching He's looking and waiting and watching and cannot wait for you to come home. and cannot wait for you to come home. and cannot wait for you to come home. That's salvation. That's salvation. That's salvation. Ephesians says, "For by grace you have Ephesians says, "For by grace you have Ephesians says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith." been saved through faith." been saved through faith." You know what your only responsibility You know what your only responsibility You know what your only responsibility is? is? is? To believe. And this is not by your own doing, it And this is not by your own doing, it goes on to say. goes on to say. goes on to say. It is a gift of God. It is a gift of God. It is a gift of God. Not a result of works so that no one can Not a result of works so that no one can Not a result of works so that no one can boast.

>> [music] >> [music] >> So that you understand grace >> So that you understand grace >> So that you understand grace is a gift. is a gift. is a gift. For by grace you've been saved For by grace you've been saved For by grace you've been saved through faith. May I ask you a question May I ask you a question that you maybe just will [music] that you maybe just will [music] that you maybe just will [music] talk to the Lord about. talk to the Lord about. talk to the Lord about. Will you open up the door of your heart Will you open up the door of your heart Will you open up the door of your heart and let him in? and let him in? and let him in? You know, some of us You know, some of us You know, some of us need to come in from the field. need to come in from the field. need to come in from the field. You're still around the things of God. You're still around the things of God. You're still around the things of God. You're serving, you're giving, but your You're serving, you're giving, but your You're serving, you're giving, but your heart is offended. heart is offended. heart is offended. You have unforgiveness and resentfulness You have unforgiveness and resentfulness You have unforgiveness and resentfulness in your heart. You know what unforgiven in your heart. You know what unforgiven in your heart. You know what unforgiven unforgiveness is? It's like drinking unforgiveness is? It's like drinking unforgiveness is? It's like drinking poison and expecting the other person to poison and expecting the other person to poison and expecting the other person to die. And you're striving And you're striving to be seen through performance. to be seen through performance. to be seen through performance. Will you open up Will you open up Will you open up the door of your heart the door of your heart the door of your heart and let God in? and let God in? and let God in? See, the invitation is the same for all See, the invitation is the same for all See, the invitation is the same for all God's children. Come in.

God's children. Come in. God's children. Come in. Come home. Come home. Come home. Come receive Come receive Come receive grace. Because what you've been looking for was Because what you've been looking for was never in the distant country. never in the distant country. never in the distant country. And you won't find it in the field And you won't find it in the field And you won't find it in the field trying to earn it. trying to earn it. trying to earn it. The father's been here all along. Would you bow your head and close your Would you bow your head and close your eyes? I want to pray for I want to pray for two groups of people. two groups of people. two groups of people. I want to pray for you if I want to pray for you if I want to pray for you if if you've been wrestling and you can if you've been wrestling and you can if you've been wrestling and you can relate to the older brother. relate to the older brother. relate to the older brother. Struggling to find Struggling to find Struggling to find celebration and joy when God does celebration and joy when God does celebration and joy when God does something for someone else and here you something for someone else and here you something for someone else and here you are still are still are still where you are. where you are. where you are. And you're trying to prove yourself And you're trying to prove yourself And you're trying to prove yourself through performance. through performance. through performance. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And yet God never asked us for that. >> And yet God never asked us for that. >> And yet God never asked us for that. He asked for your heart. So, if that's you, So, if that's you, I want to just pray this prayer over I want to just pray this prayer over I want to just pray this prayer over you. Father, [music] I pray for every you. Father, [music] I pray for every you. Father, [music] I pray for every man, woman, child man, woman, child man, woman, child who might be wrestling with performance, who might be wrestling with performance, who might be wrestling with performance, who thinks that their only value and who thinks that their only value and who thinks that their only value and worth comes through how they do or how worth comes through how they do or how worth comes through how they do or how much they do or what they do.

much they do or what they do. much they do or what they do. And God, you don't care about any of And God, you don't care about any of And God, you don't care about any of that. You care about their heart. that. You care about their heart. that. You care about their heart. And so today, Lord, we open up our heart And so today, Lord, we open up our heart And so today, Lord, we open up our heart back to you. back to you. back to you. And we say, "Come in. And we say, "Come in. And we say, "Come in. Heal it. Heal it. Heal it. Restore Restore Restore what we've broken through performance. what we've broken through performance. what we've broken through performance. And help me to know my father's heart. And help me to know my father's heart. And help me to know my father's heart. in Jesus' name. Now, one [music] other group of people I Now, one [music] other group of people I want to pray for is that if you've never want to pray for is that if you've never want to pray for is that if you've never opened up the door of your heart to ask opened up the door of your heart to ask opened up the door of your heart to ask Jesus to be the Lord and savior of your Jesus to be the Lord and savior of your Jesus to be the Lord and savior of your life. life. life. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. and the life. and the life. No one comes to the Father No one comes to the Father No one comes to the Father but through me." but through me." but through me." And if that's you, And if that's you, And if that's you, you want to receive this grace that the you want to receive this grace that the you want to receive this grace that the Father has waiting for you today is the Father has waiting for you today is the Father has waiting for you today is the day. day. day. Don't wait. Don't wait. Don't wait. Don't delay. [music] The greatest gift, Don't delay. [music] The greatest gift, Don't delay. [music] The greatest gift, the gift of grace.

the gift of grace. the gift of grace. And all that you have to do is say, And all that you have to do is say, And all that you have to do is say, "Jesus, [music] "Jesus, [music] "Jesus, [music] I believe. I believe. I believe. Come into my heart. I believe." Come into my heart. I believe." Come into my heart. I believe." So, if that's you, on the count of So, if that's you, on the count of So, if that's you, on the count of three, three, three, I'm just going to ask you to lift up I'm just going to ask you to lift up I'm just going to ask you to lift up your hand. your hand. your hand. And we're going to pray together. I'm And we're going to pray together. I'm And we're going to pray together. I'm going to pray a prayer over all of us going to pray a prayer over all of us going to pray a prayer over all of us who are making that declaration today who are making that declaration today who are making that declaration today that Jesus is my savior and Jesus that Jesus is my savior and Jesus that Jesus is my savior and Jesus [music] is my Lord. On the count of [music] is my Lord. On the count of [music] is my Lord. On the count of three. 1 2 3. Come on, don't delay. Yes, three. 1 2 3. Come on, don't delay. Yes, three. 1 2 3. Come on, don't delay. Yes, sir, brother. Come on, great job. Great sir, brother. Come on, great job. Great sir, brother. Come on, great job. Great job. job. job. Yes, ma'am. Thank you, sis. Thank you so Yes, ma'am. Thank you, sis. Thank you so Yes, ma'am. Thank you, sis. Thank you so [music] much, brother. [music] much, brother. [music] much, brother. Whether I saw your hand or didn't see Whether I saw your hand or didn't see Whether I saw your hand or didn't see your hand, we're going to pray this all your hand, we're going to pray this all your hand, we're going to pray this all together to encourage those that are together to encourage those that are together to encourage those that are making the greatest decision of their making the greatest decision of their making the greatest decision of their life. Come on, church. Let's rally life. Come on, church. Let's rally life. Come on, church. Let's rally around them right now. Let's pray this. around them right now. Let's pray this. around them right now. Let's pray this. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, thank you for the cross. thank you for the cross. thank you for the cross. Thank you for taking my punishment Thank you for taking my punishment Thank you for taking my punishment upon your shoulders. upon your shoulders. upon your shoulders. I confess with my mouth, I confess with my mouth, I confess with my mouth, I believe in my heart I believe in my heart I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ [music] that Jesus Christ [music] that Jesus Christ [music] is my Lord and savior.

is my Lord and savior. is my Lord and savior. Come in, Jesus. I choose I choose your story, your story, your story, not mine. not mine. not mine. In Jesus' name. In Jesus' name. In Jesus' name. Come on, let's praise God for those.