1. Luke 15

2. The campus of the School of Hard Knocks is in the far country (Proverbs 13:15). The Prodigal Son had a difficult curriculum. Course in Economics - and when he had spent all (Luke 15:14). Course in Horticulture - there arose a mighty famine in that land (Luke 15:14) Course in Livestock Management - he sent him into the field to feed swine (Luke 15:15) Course in Sociology - and no man gave unto him(Luke 15:16; Proverbs 14:20; Proverbs 19:6)

3. You smell terrible. You look awful. You have been working a disgraceful job. You have disgraced your fathers name. He wont take you back!! Luke 15:15 - And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country. Joined himself- To glue or cement, this implies that he forced himself upon the citizen. He only took him into service because he constantly entreated him for work.

4. The Course in Theology - (Proverbs 22:6). The livestock owner did not know the prodigals father. This is the course that the young man remembered, Luke 15:17 And when he came to himself. How many hired servants of my fathers have bread enough and to spare (Luke 15:17).

5. Ephesians 1:3 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ

6. The Location- In Christ! In order to receive blessings from God, one must be in Christ, the body, the church, the house of God. The prodigal had no blessings away from the Fathers house (Luke 15:17). The Origin Of Gods Blessing- The heavenly places ( literal the heavenlies). The blessings of God do not originate from man, nor can they be disseminated at mans direction. They are Gods blessings to give as God sees fit (Daniel 4:35).

7. The Nature Of Gods Blessings - Spiritual! Physical blessings are promised by God (Matthew 6:25-34), but the bread that truly matters is that which feed and nourishes the soul, preparing for eternity. The Distribution of Gods Blessings - All or Every. Not a single spiritual blessing from the heavenlies can be enjoyed outside of Christ. If one is not in Christ, there are absolutely zero spiritual blessings promised to him.

8. Matthew 14: 19- 21 Mark 8: 19-21 Ephesians 3: 20-21 Psalm 50:10-12- For every beast of the field is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof.

9. Luke 15:20- The first emotion that the father felt was compassion. The Greek is far more expressive than the English. Literally the father hugged him down. In other words the father embraced his son with such emotion that they both went to the ground. Then the father kissed him again and again.

10. The speech- Luke 15: 18-19. The young man did not complete the rehearsed speech. He only made it through repentance. Luke 15:21- And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. What about make me as one of your hired servants?

11. The father cut off the speech. The young man got through repentance but not the request. In the far country the prodigal learned the meaning of misery, but back at his fathers house he discovered, the meaning of mercy. Where does the Father go from here?

12. Best Robe- A fine stately garment that came down to the feet. It was the kind of robe worn by kings. The robe was a gift of identity. He came home wearing clothes that identified him with failure. Sin leaves identifying marks on our lives (Luke 15:14-16; Zechariah 3:3-4) Matthew 22:11- The man wanted to be a part of the feast but his garments betrayed him.

13. The ring- The ring bore the family emblem or name. It was pressed in wax to seal letters and legal documents. The ring was a gift of authority. The ring signified that he was back in authority in the Fathers business. Everyone would have to answer to the Father if they disrespected the sons portion.

14. The shoes- Sandals were a clear indication that the prodigal son was not going to be a servant. Servants nor slaves wore sandals. The shoes were a gift of ability. More is expected of you when you have more. (Matthew 25:15) The fatted calf- The calf was fed with wheat and kept for festive celebrations. The Father is waiting for us to return (2 Peter 3:9).

15. Clothes- Robe Jewelry- Ring Friends- Servants Joyful Celebration- The feast Love - The Father. We love him because he first loved us. Assurance of the future- Inheritance. He was back in the Fathers business.