“It’s Time To Celebrate”

Luke 15:11–32

  1. Introduction
    1. Prodigal means reckless waste or extreme abundance.
  2. Types of Prodigality
    1. Reckless waste
      vs. 12–14

      12The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

      13“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.

      1. Law of accountability
        Gal. 6:7

        Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

        1. We reap what we sow.
      2. He saw himself as he was.
    2. Extreme extravagance
      vs. 21-24

      21“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.[a]’

      22“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

      Footnote: a. Luke 15:21 Some early manuscripts son. Make me like one of your hired men.

      1. Extreme love
        v. 22

        …best robe…

      2. Extreme forgiveness
        v. 22

        …ring on his finger…

      3. Extreme acceptance
        v. 22

        …sandals on his feet…

      4. Extreme celebration
        v. 23–24

        23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

    3. Extreme waste
      vs. 25–32

      25“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

      28“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

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

      1. He refused to celebrate
  3. Conclusion
    1. God has set the table for us this morning.
    2. He wants us to celebrate with Him!
    3. He still offers us extreme mercy, forgiveness, and love.
    4. Are you ready to receive His extreme extravagance this morning?