Sermons

FILTER BY:

← back to list

May 23, 2021

The Extravagant Heart

Passage: Luke 15:11-32

Speaker: Doug Swagerty

Series: The Tale of Three Hearts

Category: Sermon

Sermon Summary:
The Prodigal Son is a parable in which Jesus reveals the characteristics of three hearts. This week we explore the heart of the Father.

"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." A.W. Tozer

The Father's Heart is:

  1. Vulnerable -
    He allows the younger son to leave; He entreats the older son to come in. He does not force either of them, but respects their freedom, even when it causes him pain.
  2. Patient -
    He waited for the younger son's return. He desires reconciliation but does not force it to happen.
  3. Forgiving -
    His reconciliation with the younger son is total. Psalm 103:12, He removes our sin from us as far as east is from west.
  4. Extravagant -
    "Prodigal" means profuse, wasteful expenditure. The Father pours our His grace on both brothers. He wants them more than they want Him. Isaiah 30:18, the Lord longs to be gracious to you (NIV). He is motivated, moved, compelled by His graciousness.


Jesus shows us the true image of the Father (see John 1:18; Col 1:15; Heb 1:3; 2 or 4:4; John 10:30; John 14:9).
He says to us,  My love is not based on your righteousness, obedience, or talent. You were never all that good looking! But I love you no matter what.
He gave His entire inheritance so we could come in to the party.


Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes into your mind when you think about God?
  2. What aspect of the Father's heart resonates most with you?
  3. Rehearse together some of the ways God has been "prodigal" with you.
  4. Pray for one another.