MAIN PASSAGE: The Parable of The Lost Son – (Luke 15:11-31)
Jesus used this parable to illustrate the faithfulness of God, His grace and forgiveness.

MESSAGE THEME: Reflection of our Heavenly Father from 3 different angles and 3 charges for earthly fathers.

#1 THE FATHER WAS FAITHFUL IN LOVE — EVEN WHEN REJECTED

• The emotional burden carried by the father.

The younger one said to his father, ‘FATHER, GIVE ME MY SHARE OF THE ESTATE.’ So he divided his property between them. (Luke 15:12 NIV)

• This demand for an early inheritance, wasn’t just a financial transaction, it was a deep rejection.
• The only time when a son would come to ask for his inheritance is when the father dies.

The father doesn’t lash out or disown him but instead gave him what he asked for: his inheritance.

Why? Real love doesn’t manipulate or control—it gives freedom, even when it hurts.
• True reflection of our Heavenly Father.
• Even if the rejection was painful, His love remains steadfast, unconditional, and unchanged.

“BUT GOD DEMONSTRATES HIS OWN LOVE TOWARD US, in that while we were STILL SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US.” (Romans 5:8)

• His love is not based on performance.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for HIS COMPASSIONS NEVER FAIL. They are NEW EVERY MORNING; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21-23 NKJ)

• His mercy, His compassion, His faithfulness are new every morning- even when are faithless.

“If we are FAITHLESS, He remains FAITHFUL” (2 Timothy 2:13 NKJ)

Here’s a challenge to Fathers:

• Love your children in a way that mirrors God’s love.
• Let them always know the door of your heart is open.

#2: THE FATHER WAS FAITHFUL IN WAITING — EVEN WHEN IT SEEMED HOPELESS

• Profound truth: The Father waited with hope, not bitterness.
• He did not let disappointment harden his heart. He waited in love.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20 NIV)

• This tells us that the father has been watching that road- day after day.
“THE LORD IS GOOD TO THOSE WHO WAIT FOR HIM.” (Lamentations 3:25)

Here’s a challenge to Fathers:

• Wait faithfully for those you love. Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop believing.
• Let your faith create a road back home for others to walk on.

#3: THE FATHER WAS FAITHFUL IN GRACE — EVEN WHEN FACED WITH RESENTMENT

“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. (Luke 15:28-29 NIV)

• His relationship with his father was based on works and obedience instead of love.
• He did not value the relationship he had with his father.

Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ (Luke 15:29-30 NIV)

The father responds—not with rebuke, but with reassurance.

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” (Luke 15: 31-32 NIV)

• He still validates him as his son.
• He reminds him of his place, his value, and the love he never lost.

“The LORD is gracious and compassionate, SLOW to anger and rich in love.” (Psalm 145:8)

Here’s a challenge to Fathers:

• Extend grace not just to those who stray, but also to those who stay.
• Your words of affirmation and appreciation can heal wounds you never knew existed.

CLOSING SCRIPTURE:

“He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents” (Malachi 4:6 NIV)

CONCLUSION
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message?