1 00:00:00,800 --> 00:00:04,360 Speaker 1: Let us pray it was meet that we should make 2 00:00:04,440 --> 00:00:08,039 Speaker 1: merry and be glad for this. My brother was dead 3 00:00:08,440 --> 00:00:12,200 Speaker 1: and is alive again, and was lost and is found 4 00:00:13,400 --> 00:00:19,279 Speaker 1: Luke fifteen thirty two. Lord, your grace and your forgiveness 5 00:00:19,400 --> 00:00:23,720 Speaker 1: never ceases to amaze me. Then no other story displays 6 00:00:23,760 --> 00:00:26,439 Speaker 1: this more than the one that you shared about the 7 00:00:26,440 --> 00:00:31,960 Speaker 1: prodigal son in Matthew eighteen twelve through fourteen. Through the 8 00:00:32,000 --> 00:00:35,559 Speaker 1: reading of this text, I mesmerized by how even with 9 00:00:35,720 --> 00:00:39,720 Speaker 1: the foolish decisions that were made, the father never left 10 00:00:39,760 --> 00:00:44,920 Speaker 1: his position of searching. May this bring comfort to my 11 00:00:45,080 --> 00:00:49,080 Speaker 1: soul in knowing that no matter what mistakes I make, 12 00:00:49,640 --> 00:00:55,040 Speaker 1: that you are always there searching for me. When I 13 00:00:55,080 --> 00:00:59,440 Speaker 1: feel like I have blown and squandered my inheritance, I 14 00:00:59,560 --> 00:01:02,680 Speaker 1: praise you because you have more in store for me. 15 00:01:03,320 --> 00:01:07,880 Speaker 1: As I come to you with a humble and broken heart, 16 00:01:08,280 --> 00:01:10,640 Speaker 1: when others seek to keep me in the pig pen 17 00:01:10,720 --> 00:01:14,039 Speaker 1: of life, I praise you that you will clothe me 18 00:01:14,200 --> 00:01:17,959 Speaker 1: with honor. You'll restore power back to me through your 19 00:01:18,040 --> 00:01:21,520 Speaker 1: ring of authority, and you will seat me at the 20 00:01:21,560 --> 00:01:26,880 Speaker 1: table of greatness again. All that you have is mine. 21 00:01:27,600 --> 00:01:30,000 Speaker 1: So I will make sure not to be jealous when 22 00:01:30,040 --> 00:01:32,560 Speaker 1: I see others get restored back to their place of 23 00:01:32,640 --> 00:01:38,400 Speaker 1: opulence and abundance. Because what is yours, Father is also mine, 24 00:01:38,600 --> 00:01:42,920 Speaker 1: because I too am a child of God. I was lost, 25 00:01:43,160 --> 00:01:48,680 Speaker 1: but through your love, Jesus, But through your love Jesus, 26 00:01:49,480 --> 00:01:56,600 Speaker 1: I am found in Jesus name. Amen. Thank you for 27 00:01:56,680 --> 00:02:00,280 Speaker 1: praying with us today. Continue your time with God by 28 00:02:00,360 --> 00:02:04,200 Speaker 1: listening to today's Bible story, brought to you by Bible 29 00:02:04,240 --> 00:02:21,720 Speaker 1: in a Year dot com. 30 00:02:13,400 --> 00:02:17,480 Speaker 2: The Prodigal Son. In our last story, we learned about 31 00:02:17,520 --> 00:02:19,800 Speaker 2: the true meaning of kindness from the story of the 32 00:02:19,840 --> 00:02:24,079 Speaker 2: Good Samaritan. Jesus used this story to teach that goodness 33 00:02:24,120 --> 00:02:27,240 Speaker 2: does not always come from the perfect people, rather those 34 00:02:27,280 --> 00:02:30,880 Speaker 2: that we may least expect. Now, Jesus is questioned by 35 00:02:30,919 --> 00:02:34,959 Speaker 2: the Pharisees for eating with tax collectors, prostitutes, and sinners. 36 00:02:35,720 --> 00:02:39,600 Speaker 2: Jesus confronts them with another story, a story that reveals 37 00:02:39,639 --> 00:02:42,960 Speaker 2: the true heart of God, inspired. 38 00:02:42,440 --> 00:02:48,160 Speaker 3: By the Gospels. Hello, this is Jack Graham with today's 39 00:02:48,200 --> 00:02:51,160 Speaker 3: episode of the Bible in a Year. Thanks for joining us. 40 00:02:51,760 --> 00:02:54,720 Speaker 3: In our last episode, we heard the parable the story 41 00:02:54,760 --> 00:02:57,560 Speaker 3: of the Good Samaritan, which Jesus used to teach a 42 00:02:57,680 --> 00:03:01,640 Speaker 3: very important lesson about how how we are to love people, 43 00:03:02,160 --> 00:03:05,520 Speaker 3: what a neighbor looks like, and that our neighbor is 44 00:03:05,639 --> 00:03:09,079 Speaker 3: anyone who has a need. It was a great challenge 45 00:03:09,120 --> 00:03:12,160 Speaker 3: for us to share the love of Christ with every 46 00:03:12,240 --> 00:03:17,040 Speaker 3: person that we meet. Today, we'll hear another powerful story 47 00:03:17,040 --> 00:03:20,600 Speaker 3: from Jesus that shows the merciful heart of God and 48 00:03:20,680 --> 00:03:25,120 Speaker 3: his willingness and desire to forgive and share his love 49 00:03:25,200 --> 00:03:27,720 Speaker 3: with all who seek him. It's the story of a 50 00:03:27,760 --> 00:03:31,200 Speaker 3: loving father and two sons who are both lost, but 51 00:03:31,320 --> 00:03:34,880 Speaker 3: in very different ways. Let's listen now to this powerful 52 00:03:34,920 --> 00:03:36,080 Speaker 3: story from Jesus. 53 00:03:38,400 --> 00:03:40,760 Speaker 2: Jesus was sitting at a table enjoying a meal with 54 00:03:40,840 --> 00:03:43,240 Speaker 2: many of his new friends. They went out, the type 55 00:03:43,240 --> 00:03:45,840 Speaker 2: of people one would expect a religious man to dine with. 56 00:03:46,440 --> 00:03:50,480 Speaker 2: Tax collectors, dirty fishermen, and prostitutes sat at the table 57 00:03:50,600 --> 00:03:53,920 Speaker 2: sharing bread with the son of God. It was a 58 00:03:53,960 --> 00:03:57,920 Speaker 2: sight that disgusted the Pharisees. They reviled him and scoffed 59 00:03:57,960 --> 00:04:00,760 Speaker 2: at his willingness to fraternize with the under desirables of 60 00:04:00,760 --> 00:04:04,960 Speaker 2: the city. Look, they pointed and spat, this man eats 61 00:04:05,000 --> 00:04:07,840 Speaker 2: with sinners. What type of man of God is this? 62 00:04:08,840 --> 00:04:12,360 Speaker 2: A small crowd was watching as the Pharisees mocked Jesus openly. 63 00:04:12,880 --> 00:04:16,880 Speaker 2: They were waiting for Jesus' response. Jesus wiped the crumbs 64 00:04:16,880 --> 00:04:19,200 Speaker 2: off his hands, took a sip of water, and stood 65 00:04:19,200 --> 00:04:22,800 Speaker 2: to his feet. He walked closer to the Pharisees, showing 66 00:04:22,839 --> 00:04:26,160 Speaker 2: them that their religious elitism had no effect on him. 67 00:04:26,440 --> 00:04:29,960 Speaker 2: Jesus paced the courtyard, projecting his voice for all to 68 00:04:30,000 --> 00:04:34,400 Speaker 2: hear as he told another story. There was once a 69 00:04:34,440 --> 00:04:37,960 Speaker 2: wealthy man who had two sons. The older son worked 70 00:04:38,040 --> 00:04:41,800 Speaker 2: the fields silently and with diligence. However, the younger son 71 00:04:41,960 --> 00:04:46,520 Speaker 2: was unruly and independent. One morning, before the rooster crowed 72 00:04:46,560 --> 00:04:49,440 Speaker 2: and the sun rose, the younger brother stumbled into his 73 00:04:49,480 --> 00:04:52,599 Speaker 2: father's house after a night of parties. He was a 74 00:04:52,640 --> 00:04:55,839 Speaker 2: shameful sight and held no sense of respect for his father. 75 00:04:56,760 --> 00:04:59,760 Speaker 2: He slept in until midday and rolled out of his 76 00:04:59,800 --> 00:05:03,880 Speaker 2: bed while his brother tilled the fields. Grumpy and entitled, 77 00:05:04,200 --> 00:05:07,279 Speaker 2: the younger brother went to his father with his chest 78 00:05:07,360 --> 00:05:09,880 Speaker 2: puffed up in his nose high in the air. He 79 00:05:09,960 --> 00:05:13,560 Speaker 2: demanded his father give him his inheritance. I do not 80 00:05:13,720 --> 00:05:16,760 Speaker 2: want to wait until you die, the son complained, give 81 00:05:16,800 --> 00:05:19,640 Speaker 2: me my half of the inheritance. Now, so that I 82 00:05:19,720 --> 00:05:23,000 Speaker 2: might do what I wish. The father did as the 83 00:05:23,040 --> 00:05:27,120 Speaker 2: younger son requested and divided his wealth with a broken heart. 84 00:05:27,160 --> 00:05:30,040 Speaker 2: He gave his son property in gold and watched him 85 00:05:30,080 --> 00:05:33,279 Speaker 2: walk away without so much as a thank you. The 86 00:05:33,360 --> 00:05:36,120 Speaker 2: younger son gathered everything and took his wealth into the 87 00:05:36,160 --> 00:05:41,440 Speaker 2: far country. He slithered around the cities, drowning himself in wine, women, 88 00:05:41,560 --> 00:05:45,440 Speaker 2: and reckless substances. What he did not spend on prostitutes 89 00:05:45,440 --> 00:05:50,120 Speaker 2: and revelry, he gamboled. Weeks had passed, and his unearned 90 00:05:50,160 --> 00:05:53,360 Speaker 2: wealth was eventually dried up. He owed a great deal 91 00:05:53,400 --> 00:05:56,720 Speaker 2: of money to bad people and had contracted sickness from 92 00:05:56,800 --> 00:06:00,719 Speaker 2: his promiscuous habits. Soon, a great famine fell across the 93 00:06:00,800 --> 00:06:04,440 Speaker 2: land and everyone was in great need. The friends he 94 00:06:04,480 --> 00:06:06,680 Speaker 2: had made and his wealth were nowhere to be seen, 95 00:06:07,240 --> 00:06:11,080 Speaker 2: and the young son descended into total poverty. The younger 96 00:06:11,120 --> 00:06:14,160 Speaker 2: son scoured the countryside looking for any work that would 97 00:06:14,160 --> 00:06:17,680 Speaker 2: fill his belly and his new addictions. The only job 98 00:06:17,720 --> 00:06:21,080 Speaker 2: he could find was tending to a farmer's pigs. Days 99 00:06:21,080 --> 00:06:23,440 Speaker 2: had passed and the sun still had very little money 100 00:06:23,440 --> 00:06:26,159 Speaker 2: to pay for food. What little money he made he 101 00:06:26,240 --> 00:06:29,680 Speaker 2: gave to pay off his gambling debts. His stomach rumbled 102 00:06:29,720 --> 00:06:33,160 Speaker 2: as he watched the pigs feast on slop and garbage. 103 00:06:33,200 --> 00:06:37,280 Speaker 2: The smell of rotten onions and fermented figs filled the air. Dung, 104 00:06:37,640 --> 00:06:41,200 Speaker 2: dirty rain water, and pigs eliva dripped into the feeding troth, 105 00:06:41,600 --> 00:06:44,040 Speaker 2: but the sun could not take his eyes off it. 106 00:06:45,120 --> 00:06:50,040 Speaker 2: He was starving, desperate, and ashamed. The young man walked 107 00:06:50,040 --> 00:06:52,520 Speaker 2: beside the pigs, fell to his knees, and began to 108 00:06:52,560 --> 00:06:56,799 Speaker 2: eat the brown slop with the pigs. The rancid smell 109 00:06:56,880 --> 00:07:01,080 Speaker 2: was almost unbearable. His mouth was filled with dung, rotten vegetables, 110 00:07:01,080 --> 00:07:04,440 Speaker 2: and spoiled meat. As the young man brought his face 111 00:07:04,480 --> 00:07:07,400 Speaker 2: to his hand filled with garbage, he considered the state 112 00:07:07,440 --> 00:07:11,760 Speaker 2: of his life. Even my father's hired servants get fresh bread, 113 00:07:12,280 --> 00:07:15,040 Speaker 2: yet I am here and hunger. He thought to himself. 114 00:07:15,880 --> 00:07:17,960 Speaker 2: If I go to him and beg for his forgiveness, 115 00:07:18,040 --> 00:07:20,840 Speaker 2: maybe he will make me a slave. At least then 116 00:07:20,920 --> 00:07:24,040 Speaker 2: I will have a warm bed and fresh bread. So 117 00:07:24,160 --> 00:07:27,160 Speaker 2: the younger son traveled through the countryside back to his father. 118 00:07:28,080 --> 00:07:30,200 Speaker 2: His head was held low and his feet dragged in 119 00:07:30,240 --> 00:07:34,000 Speaker 2: the dust. A few tears streamed down the son's eyes. 120 00:07:34,240 --> 00:07:37,560 Speaker 2: He could picture the angry look of his father. Surely 121 00:07:37,600 --> 00:07:39,720 Speaker 2: he would be too ashamed of me to take me back, 122 00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:43,880 Speaker 2: the son thought to himself. Yet the younger son kept walking. 123 00:07:44,200 --> 00:07:48,360 Speaker 2: His options were limited, and his belly was empty. It 124 00:07:48,400 --> 00:07:51,040 Speaker 2: was late afternoon and the sun had turned to the 125 00:07:51,080 --> 00:07:54,600 Speaker 2: father's fields a bright gold. He sat above his terrace, 126 00:07:54,640 --> 00:07:58,120 Speaker 2: admiring the way the breeze made the grain dance. He 127 00:07:58,160 --> 00:08:01,320 Speaker 2: watched his elder son tending to the works. Then a 128 00:08:01,360 --> 00:08:05,160 Speaker 2: small speck appeared in the distance. The father peered closely 129 00:08:05,240 --> 00:08:08,360 Speaker 2: towards the hills to see a figure hobbling towards the property. 130 00:08:09,080 --> 00:08:11,320 Speaker 2: As the figure drew closer, the father could see that 131 00:08:11,360 --> 00:08:15,400 Speaker 2: it was his younger son. He had returned. The father 132 00:08:15,480 --> 00:08:17,400 Speaker 2: tied up his robes and ran out of his home. 133 00:08:17,920 --> 00:08:20,800 Speaker 2: He ran with fire and vigor. The son could see 134 00:08:20,840 --> 00:08:24,040 Speaker 2: his father in the distance, running towards him. Afraid that 135 00:08:24,120 --> 00:08:26,880 Speaker 2: his father would attack him, the young son braced himself, 136 00:08:27,240 --> 00:08:30,080 Speaker 2: but instead of a strike to the jaw, he received 137 00:08:30,120 --> 00:08:33,679 Speaker 2: a warm embrace. The father cried on his son's shoulders. 138 00:08:34,160 --> 00:08:37,000 Speaker 2: Laughs came from his belly, his tears streamed down his 139 00:08:37,080 --> 00:08:41,320 Speaker 2: bearded face. You have come home, the father shouted with glee. 140 00:08:41,520 --> 00:08:44,520 Speaker 2: My son, you have returned to me. The son fell 141 00:08:44,559 --> 00:08:47,360 Speaker 2: to his knees. He was so ashamed he could not 142 00:08:47,480 --> 00:08:51,520 Speaker 2: stand to look at his father. My father, please forgive me, 143 00:08:51,960 --> 00:08:54,400 Speaker 2: the younger son said, I am not worthy to be 144 00:08:54,440 --> 00:08:57,480 Speaker 2: called your son. His face fell into the dust as 145 00:08:57,480 --> 00:09:00,440 Speaker 2: he wept. The father knelt down into the dust with 146 00:09:00,520 --> 00:09:03,720 Speaker 2: him and picked him up by the shoulders. He called 147 00:09:03,760 --> 00:09:06,720 Speaker 2: for his servants and said, get me my best robe 148 00:09:06,720 --> 00:09:09,160 Speaker 2: and put it on my son. Put a ring on 149 00:09:09,240 --> 00:09:12,120 Speaker 2: his hand and shoes on his feet. Then kill the 150 00:09:12,160 --> 00:09:15,000 Speaker 2: fattest calf we have for to night we will hold 151 00:09:15,040 --> 00:09:19,320 Speaker 2: a feast in his honor. The servants left immediately. The 152 00:09:19,400 --> 00:09:23,000 Speaker 2: son was stunned and confused. The father smiled from cheek 153 00:09:23,040 --> 00:09:26,040 Speaker 2: to cheek and said, my son, you were once lost, 154 00:09:26,080 --> 00:09:28,640 Speaker 2: but now you are found. This is why we celebrate. 155 00:09:30,040 --> 00:09:32,840 Speaker 2: So the younger son was washed and given fine clothes. 156 00:09:33,559 --> 00:09:36,080 Speaker 2: There was a great feast and party held in his honor. 157 00:09:36,920 --> 00:09:40,000 Speaker 2: The younger son was humbled and laughed silently as he 158 00:09:40,080 --> 00:09:43,559 Speaker 2: watched his family dance and sing. Although not everyone was 159 00:09:43,600 --> 00:09:46,679 Speaker 2: happy to see him return. The older brother came in 160 00:09:46,679 --> 00:09:49,280 Speaker 2: from the field to see his father dancing and rejoicing. 161 00:09:49,960 --> 00:09:52,240 Speaker 2: He saw that the fattest calf had been cooked and 162 00:09:52,280 --> 00:09:55,760 Speaker 2: the finest robe placed on his brother's shoulders. The older 163 00:09:55,800 --> 00:10:00,360 Speaker 2: son stewed in anger. He felt underappreciated and angry. He 164 00:10:00,440 --> 00:10:04,040 Speaker 2: stormed off to be alone in the fields. The sun 165 00:10:04,120 --> 00:10:06,440 Speaker 2: was setting and the older brother could hear the music 166 00:10:06,480 --> 00:10:10,200 Speaker 2: in the distance. He hated his brother. He hated that 167 00:10:10,280 --> 00:10:13,240 Speaker 2: he stole half his father's wealth while he toiled in 168 00:10:13,320 --> 00:10:17,640 Speaker 2: the fields. Yet his brother received the celebration. The wind 169 00:10:17,679 --> 00:10:20,120 Speaker 2: blew gently, and a few tears fell down the older 170 00:10:20,120 --> 00:10:23,280 Speaker 2: brother's face. His father could see him sitting and sat 171 00:10:23,320 --> 00:10:28,040 Speaker 2: beside him. What upsets you, my son, he asked. The 172 00:10:28,080 --> 00:10:30,559 Speaker 2: older son shook his head and gave a sorrowful laugh. 173 00:10:31,320 --> 00:10:33,560 Speaker 2: He did his best to hold back tears as he spoke. 174 00:10:34,800 --> 00:10:37,920 Speaker 2: For years, I have served you and worked hard for 175 00:10:37,960 --> 00:10:41,040 Speaker 2: your favor. I never disobeyed you, and you have never 176 00:10:41,080 --> 00:10:43,120 Speaker 2: given me so much as a goat for me and 177 00:10:43,200 --> 00:10:45,960 Speaker 2: my friends to celebrate. Yet when your son comes home, 178 00:10:45,960 --> 00:10:49,600 Speaker 2: after squandering your wealth with prostitutes, you kill the fattest 179 00:10:49,640 --> 00:10:54,079 Speaker 2: calf and adorn him with rings and robes. The father 180 00:10:54,240 --> 00:10:57,120 Speaker 2: was silent for a moment. In sighe he put his 181 00:10:57,240 --> 00:11:02,160 Speaker 2: arm around his oldest son, son, You are always with me. 182 00:11:03,120 --> 00:11:06,319 Speaker 2: Everything I have is yours. You may take of whatever 183 00:11:06,480 --> 00:11:10,000 Speaker 2: is mine and enjoy it. But your brother was once dead, 184 00:11:10,160 --> 00:11:12,880 Speaker 2: but now is alive. He was lost and now he 185 00:11:12,960 --> 00:11:18,320 Speaker 2: is found. This is worth celebrating. After saying these things, 186 00:11:18,440 --> 00:11:21,720 Speaker 2: Jesus sat back down with his friends, and the Pharisees 187 00:11:21,840 --> 00:11:25,360 Speaker 2: left in a fury. Jesus revealed a special part of 188 00:11:25,400 --> 00:11:28,640 Speaker 2: God's heart that day, that no child is too far 189 00:11:28,720 --> 00:11:32,400 Speaker 2: gone to experience his love and favor. No matter how 190 00:11:32,400 --> 00:11:35,120 Speaker 2: far one goes. The father will run to embrace his 191 00:11:35,240 --> 00:11:38,600 Speaker 2: lost child, as a shepherd will leave ninety nine of 192 00:11:38,640 --> 00:11:41,840 Speaker 2: his sheep to go after one lost one, So Jesus 193 00:11:41,880 --> 00:11:45,120 Speaker 2: will go to any length to find the ones he loves. 194 00:11:52,400 --> 00:11:55,960 Speaker 3: As we begin today's reading, let's give a little background 195 00:11:56,040 --> 00:11:59,400 Speaker 3: once again. The Pharisees are grumbling and complaining about the 196 00:11:59,480 --> 00:12:01,839 Speaker 3: kind of peace people that Jesus is hanging out with. 197 00:12:02,559 --> 00:12:07,240 Speaker 3: They expected him to shun all the undesirables, tax collectors, sinners, 198 00:12:07,320 --> 00:12:12,120 Speaker 3: outcast fringe people, just as they did Consorting with sinners. 199 00:12:12,520 --> 00:12:15,160 Speaker 3: They believe was beneath the man of God. So if 200 00:12:15,280 --> 00:12:19,760 Speaker 3: Jesus was really a righteous man, they concluded, he would 201 00:12:19,760 --> 00:12:24,520 Speaker 3: not associate with bad people. As always, Jesus knew their thoughts, 202 00:12:24,559 --> 00:12:28,400 Speaker 3: and so he told them more stories parables to illustrate 203 00:12:28,640 --> 00:12:32,040 Speaker 3: what it means to be lost and found. He spoke 204 00:12:32,080 --> 00:12:34,440 Speaker 3: of a shepherd who left his flock to find one 205 00:12:34,559 --> 00:12:37,440 Speaker 3: lung sheep that had gone astray, and the joy of 206 00:12:37,480 --> 00:12:40,200 Speaker 3: finding a lost coin, even when it was just one 207 00:12:40,360 --> 00:12:44,040 Speaker 3: of many. He was setting up the grand finale, a 208 00:12:44,120 --> 00:12:46,680 Speaker 3: story about a father and his two sons. It's a 209 00:12:46,720 --> 00:12:50,080 Speaker 3: story that many have heard. It's the story of the 210 00:12:50,080 --> 00:12:53,640 Speaker 3: prodigal son. We call it the story of the prodigal son, 211 00:12:53,720 --> 00:12:56,880 Speaker 3: but if you pay close attention, it's really not about 212 00:12:56,880 --> 00:12:59,480 Speaker 3: the son so much as it is about the loving 213 00:12:59,559 --> 00:13:03,880 Speaker 3: father who never gives up in waiting for longing for 214 00:13:04,280 --> 00:13:08,040 Speaker 3: his children to come home. We hear that this father 215 00:13:08,160 --> 00:13:11,439 Speaker 3: had two sons, one who was obedient to all the 216 00:13:11,520 --> 00:13:15,960 Speaker 3: rules and expectations, but another who wanted to live for himself. 217 00:13:16,720 --> 00:13:20,400 Speaker 3: The older son, the elder brother, worked hard waiting for 218 00:13:20,480 --> 00:13:23,200 Speaker 3: one day to receive an inheritance that he felt was 219 00:13:23,240 --> 00:13:27,040 Speaker 3: out to him. But the younger son, he did not 220 00:13:27,200 --> 00:13:32,520 Speaker 3: have patience. He wanted it all now. He in effect said, Dad, 221 00:13:32,559 --> 00:13:34,760 Speaker 3: I don't care if you live or die. Give me 222 00:13:34,800 --> 00:13:38,040 Speaker 3: what's coming to me now, and he asked for his cut, 223 00:13:38,120 --> 00:13:41,760 Speaker 3: and then he left town. Imagine the heartbreak of his father, 224 00:13:42,280 --> 00:13:47,200 Speaker 3: totally rejected and abandoned by his son. Buddy would not 225 00:13:47,320 --> 00:13:50,160 Speaker 3: force him to stay, and as the son demanded, he 226 00:13:50,200 --> 00:13:54,440 Speaker 3: gave him his share of the estate. Of course, this 227 00:13:54,600 --> 00:13:57,960 Speaker 3: was a terrible decision for this young man. It looked 228 00:13:58,000 --> 00:13:59,720 Speaker 3: like a lot of fun at first to go and 229 00:13:59,760 --> 00:14:02,840 Speaker 3: live up in a place called the far Country. But 230 00:14:03,040 --> 00:14:06,440 Speaker 3: his way of life, all the partying, all the drinking, 231 00:14:06,760 --> 00:14:09,920 Speaker 3: all the womanizing, it finally caught up with him and 232 00:14:10,200 --> 00:14:13,320 Speaker 3: he went to the bottom. You know, sin is like that. 233 00:14:14,000 --> 00:14:16,680 Speaker 3: It can seem pleasurable at first. In fact, the Bible 234 00:14:16,760 --> 00:14:20,680 Speaker 3: says there is pleasure in sin for a season. But 235 00:14:20,800 --> 00:14:23,080 Speaker 3: you know sin will take you farther than you want 236 00:14:23,120 --> 00:14:25,440 Speaker 3: to go, and keep you longer than you want to stay, 237 00:14:26,000 --> 00:14:28,360 Speaker 3: and cost you far more than you want to pay. 238 00:14:29,360 --> 00:14:31,440 Speaker 3: We think, if there are no rules, then we can 239 00:14:31,520 --> 00:14:34,360 Speaker 3: really live it up. But when there are no rules, 240 00:14:34,880 --> 00:14:37,800 Speaker 3: when we throw our lives away, there is such loss. 241 00:14:37,960 --> 00:14:41,040 Speaker 3: And that's what this young man experienced. He found out 242 00:14:41,080 --> 00:14:44,360 Speaker 3: for himself what an uncontrolled life is really like. It 243 00:14:44,400 --> 00:14:49,480 Speaker 3: was truly prodigal. But though he turned away from his father, 244 00:14:50,600 --> 00:14:52,200 Speaker 3: in his heart of hearts, when he came to the 245 00:14:52,320 --> 00:14:55,720 Speaker 3: end of himself, he knew that there was one hope, 246 00:14:55,760 --> 00:14:58,080 Speaker 3: and only one hope, and that was to return to 247 00:14:58,120 --> 00:15:02,080 Speaker 3: the father, to go back home to humble himself. He 248 00:15:02,120 --> 00:15:05,080 Speaker 3: came to himself and he owned his own sin, and 249 00:15:05,160 --> 00:15:08,200 Speaker 3: he's repentant in heart, and he wants to go home. 250 00:15:09,160 --> 00:15:12,320 Speaker 3: When I read this story, I'm reminded of the grace 251 00:15:12,360 --> 00:15:14,360 Speaker 3: and the heart of God to receive us when we 252 00:15:14,440 --> 00:15:19,200 Speaker 3: truly confess our sins and seek God's love, grace, mercy, 253 00:15:19,560 --> 00:15:23,800 Speaker 3: and forgiveness. Did you notice in this story, as the 254 00:15:23,840 --> 00:15:27,200 Speaker 3: son began his way back home to his father, that 255 00:15:27,440 --> 00:15:31,040 Speaker 3: his father wasn't surprised He had not given up or 256 00:15:31,080 --> 00:15:34,840 Speaker 3: shut out his son permanently. No, Apparently this man was 257 00:15:34,920 --> 00:15:37,920 Speaker 3: looking for his child for it says in Luke fifteen 258 00:15:38,200 --> 00:15:41,040 Speaker 3: and verse twenty. But while he was still a long 259 00:15:41,080 --> 00:15:44,600 Speaker 3: way off, his father saw him and felt compassion and 260 00:15:44,720 --> 00:15:47,960 Speaker 3: ran and embraced him and kissed him. What a beautiful 261 00:15:48,040 --> 00:15:52,360 Speaker 3: story while he was still a long way off. It 262 00:15:52,440 --> 00:15:54,760 Speaker 3: reminds me of the scripture that says that while we 263 00:15:54,760 --> 00:15:58,760 Speaker 3: were yet sinners, Christ died for us. You see, God 264 00:15:58,800 --> 00:16:01,840 Speaker 3: loves you very much, and he's waiting for you to 265 00:16:01,960 --> 00:16:05,400 Speaker 3: come to him. Is so inspirational to see that the 266 00:16:05,440 --> 00:16:07,840 Speaker 3: father didn't wait and watch for his son to come 267 00:16:07,880 --> 00:16:11,520 Speaker 3: to him. He ran to his son. In this culture, 268 00:16:11,840 --> 00:16:14,840 Speaker 3: this was not the action of a dignified man. But 269 00:16:15,120 --> 00:16:18,480 Speaker 3: this loving father could care less about appearances. He was 270 00:16:18,840 --> 00:16:23,280 Speaker 3: rushing to restore his son. He was running to show forgiveness. 271 00:16:23,960 --> 00:16:27,440 Speaker 3: The young man confessed his sin, his unworthiness, but he 272 00:16:27,480 --> 00:16:30,560 Speaker 3: didn't have to say anything more. The father clothed him 273 00:16:30,560 --> 00:16:33,160 Speaker 3: with his robe and made him part of the family again. 274 00:16:34,680 --> 00:16:37,840 Speaker 3: This story could have ended with a very happy reunion 275 00:16:37,880 --> 00:16:41,680 Speaker 3: for everyone, But as we noted, there were two sons 276 00:16:41,680 --> 00:16:45,440 Speaker 3: in this household, and with all the rejoicing and feasting 277 00:16:45,480 --> 00:16:48,720 Speaker 3: for the prodigal son who came back, the older son 278 00:16:49,320 --> 00:16:52,560 Speaker 3: is now bitter. He had no interest in welcoming his 279 00:16:52,600 --> 00:16:57,120 Speaker 3: brother back into the family. Instead, he was pouting and 280 00:16:57,520 --> 00:17:02,040 Speaker 3: pitying himself, complaining all he'd done for his father. How 281 00:17:02,080 --> 00:17:05,920 Speaker 3: could he receive this young son back? Where was his reward? 282 00:17:06,920 --> 00:17:10,080 Speaker 3: As the Pharisees listened to this story, I'm sure they 283 00:17:10,080 --> 00:17:12,800 Speaker 3: were nodding their heads in agreement with the son's anger. 284 00:17:13,600 --> 00:17:16,840 Speaker 3: They too had done everything right. Why should they welcome 285 00:17:16,960 --> 00:17:21,240 Speaker 3: terrible sinners into the family of God. The sad reality 286 00:17:21,440 --> 00:17:25,120 Speaker 3: is this son, the elder brother, just like the Pharisees, 287 00:17:25,359 --> 00:17:29,159 Speaker 3: was just as lost as the younger son. The younger 288 00:17:29,240 --> 00:17:32,199 Speaker 3: son was lost way far away from the house, but 289 00:17:32,280 --> 00:17:36,679 Speaker 3: this young man was lost inside the house. Both had 290 00:17:36,760 --> 00:17:40,560 Speaker 3: the father all along, Both had an opportunity for a relationship, 291 00:17:40,840 --> 00:17:43,439 Speaker 3: but they both missed the joy and the abundance that 292 00:17:43,520 --> 00:17:47,000 Speaker 3: the Father could give them. In telling this story, Jesus 293 00:17:47,119 --> 00:17:51,160 Speaker 3: was demonstrating how much God is always loving us as 294 00:17:51,200 --> 00:17:56,200 Speaker 3: a caring, compassionate father. He rejoices with those who return 295 00:17:56,280 --> 00:17:58,959 Speaker 3: to him and repent of their sins and receive his grace. 296 00:18:00,080 --> 00:18:02,760 Speaker 3: And he's reminding all of us that is never too 297 00:18:02,840 --> 00:18:06,240 Speaker 3: late for a new beginning. It's not too late for 298 00:18:06,320 --> 00:18:09,000 Speaker 3: a new beginning for you today. And if you find 299 00:18:09,080 --> 00:18:12,160 Speaker 3: yourself far from God, this is the time to come 300 00:18:12,240 --> 00:18:15,679 Speaker 3: home to him. Jesus loves you. He died for you, 301 00:18:16,040 --> 00:18:19,119 Speaker 3: he rose again, and he will give you a home 302 00:18:19,440 --> 00:18:22,240 Speaker 3: and a hope in heaven if you will trust in him. 303 00:18:23,200 --> 00:18:26,360 Speaker 3: Let's pray, Dear God, We thank you for your love 304 00:18:26,400 --> 00:18:29,920 Speaker 3: and grace. We know that you are a father who 305 00:18:29,960 --> 00:18:33,240 Speaker 3: cares for your children, and so we come to you. 306 00:18:33,880 --> 00:18:36,840 Speaker 3: We trust in you, and we believe that when we 307 00:18:36,920 --> 00:18:39,640 Speaker 3: return from our sins, that you will welcome us into 308 00:18:39,680 --> 00:18:43,199 Speaker 3: your family through our faith in Jesus Christ. And then, 309 00:18:43,240 --> 00:18:45,800 Speaker 3: no matter how far we have walked away, that it 310 00:18:45,840 --> 00:18:50,680 Speaker 3: is never too late to start over in Jesus' name. Amen, 311 00:18:52,240 --> 00:18:55,320 Speaker 3: Thank you for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast. 312 00:18:55,760 --> 00:18:59,000 Speaker 3: I'm Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. You can download the 313 00:18:59,040 --> 00:19:01,919 Speaker 3: Pray dot com at and make prayer a priority in 314 00:19:01,960 --> 00:19:05,400 Speaker 3: your life, just like over twenty million people have done 315 00:19:05,400 --> 00:19:08,879 Speaker 3: to this date. If you enjoy this podcast, share it 316 00:19:08,920 --> 00:19:12,280 Speaker 3: with someone you know and love, because by sharing this 317 00:19:12,400 --> 00:19:14,760 Speaker 3: message of the Word of God, you can make an 318 00:19:14,800 --> 00:19:18,880 Speaker 3: eternal difference in someone's life. And I want to encourage 319 00:19:18,880 --> 00:19:21,520 Speaker 3: you to go to Jack Graham dot org. That's me 320 00:19:21,840 --> 00:19:25,960 Speaker 3: At Jack Graham dot org. We have resources available to you. 321 00:19:26,320 --> 00:19:28,879 Speaker 3: God bless you, and we look forward to joining you 322 00:19:28,960 --> 00:19:30,240 Speaker 3: again the next time.