THE ROAD OF SHAME THAT LEADS TO GRACE Luke 15:11-32

SETTING THE SCENE Luke 15 falls toward the end of Christ’s ministry At this point Jesus has “set His face toward Jerusalem” The Scribes and Pharisees were “lying in wait for Him” (Lk 11:54) Jesus took every opportunity to stress that their view of religion was really a wicked expression of unbelief 51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, Luke 9:51–54 (KJV 1900) 53 And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: 54 Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him. Luke 11:53–54 (KJV 1900)

Jesus’s approach to the law drew a distinct line SETTING THE SCENE Jesus’s approach to the law drew a distinct line The Scribes and Pharisees excluded nearly everyone Jesus taught an inclusive Gospel 1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. Luke 15:1–2 (KJV 1900)

The three parables of Luke 15 share a common theme - Joy in Heaven SETTING THE SCENE The three parables of Luke 15 share a common theme - Joy in Heaven This joy was not what His critics expected The joy was that of a single sinner returning to the fold 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance…10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Luke 15:7,10 (KJV 1900)

A SHAMELESS DEMAND An unimaginable request in Hebrew society Essentially saying “I wish you were dead” More than teenage rebellion, this is an ugly hatred for the Father and all he stands for 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. Luke 15:12 (KJV 1900)

A SHAMELESS DEMAND 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. Luke 15:12 (KJV 1900) The hatred for his father is further seen in his disregard for his inheritance This hateful demand would mean great loss to himself, his Father and his elder brother

He lacked authentic love for the Father A SHAMELESS DEMAND 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. Luke 15:12 (KJV 1900) He lacked authentic love for the Father

This “far country” could only be a Gentile country THE TRUE AGENDA This “far country” could only be a Gentile country The only purpose for such an action was to wallow in sin There is only one end for such actions! 13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. Luke 15:13 (KJV 1900)

From rich nobleman’s son to desperate beggar THE TURNING POINT 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. Luke 15:15–16 (KJV 1900) From rich nobleman’s son to desperate beggar He was forced into a job that no Jew would except He was left to die a miserable death

Only by extreme degradation did he see what a fool he had been THE TURNING POINT Only by extreme degradation did he see what a fool he had been 17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! Luke 15:17 (KJV 1900)

THE TURNING POINT 17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! Luke 15:17 (KJV 1900) “The real wickedness of sin stems from its nature as a personal affront to a good and gracious Lawgiver. Our sin is calculated, deliberate violation of the relationship we have with our Creator” (A Tale of Two Sons, MacArthur pg 78)

He did not seek to blame the father (Ps 51:1-4) THE RETURN He did not seek to blame the father (Ps 51:1-4) He begged for mercy and grace (Ps 51:7-11) He finally thought past the moment He carried out the plan 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. Luke 15:18–19 (KJV 1900)