Confessions of a Reformed Legalist

TEXT: Luke 15:11—32

FOCUS: The major question answered here is why Jesus spends a lot of time with publicans and sinners. Jesus teach through stories and hopefully, we find ourselves in the story. If we identify with the elder brother we may be struggling with legalism. If we love the forgiveness showered upon the prodical we may have finally become a “grace” person.

THE PARABLE

• A prodical son – who tries life in the big city
  1. Insensitive
  2. Irresponsible
  3. Contrite
• A father – who runs to meet his repentant son
  1. Forgiving
  2. Restoring
  3. Celebrating
• An elder brother – who won’t join the party
  1. Performance Driven
  2. Rule Keeper
  3. Critical
  4. Kill Joy

CLOSING THOUGHT:
G. Campbell Morgan called this parable: “The Parable of the Father’s Heart.” If we want to see what God is really like, “watch Him running down the road to welcome the wanderer home!”