Preparing for the Prodigal’s Return

Luke 15:11-32

INTRODUCTION: The reaction of the elder brother was merely an outward manifestation of an inner struggle that had no doubt been brewing for quite some time. If this family was like most, the loss of the younger son was traumatic. The elder son could have thought that the family would never be satisfied with his presence so long as his younger brother was absent. He might have felt as though his labour doubled and his appreciation dwindled. The surprise when he approach his home quickly turned to disappointment and self-pity. Perhaps things would have been different if he would have prepared himself ahead of time for his brother’s return.

I. THE REVELATION OF THE SON’S RETURN (Luke 15:25-27)

A. The Timing of the Revelation (Luke 15:25a)

1. He had been in the field. Note: Though we cannot be dogmatic as to what he had been doing in the field, it would seem he had been working (Luke 15:29).
2. He came and drew nigh to the house.

B. The Manner of the Revelation (Luke 15:25b-27)

1. The curiosity of the elder son (Luke 15:25b)
a. Musick
b. Dancing
c. Note: He probably hadn’t heard this since prior to his brother’s departure
2. The information of the servant (Luke 15:26-27)
a. The question of the elder son (Luke 15:26)
b. The response of the servant (Luke 15:27)
1.) Thy brother is come.
2.) Thy father hath killed the fatted calf.
3.) Because he [the father] hath received him [the younger son] safe and sound.
4.) Note: Knowing what we know about the elder son’s envy, each statement must have increased the bitterness already present.

II. THE ANGER AT THE SON’S RECEPTION (Luke 15:28-30)

A. The Folly of His Anger (Luke 15:28)

1. He was angry.
2. He would not go in.
3. His father had to come out and intreat him.

B. The Foundation of His Anger (Luke 15:29)

1. Lo, these many years do I serve thee.
2. Neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment.
3. Thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends.

C. The Foes of His Anger (Luke 15:30)

1. As soon as this thy son was come
2. Which hath devoured thy living with harlots; Note: This was now in the past and the elder brother was doing the work of Satan (Revelation 12:10).
3. Thou hast killed for him the fatted calf

III. THE INSTRUCTION CONCERNING THE SON’S RETURN (Luke 15:31-32)

A. The Consideration of Personal Blessing (Luke 15:31)

1. Son; Note: One would think this would have been a wakeup call. Addressing him as Son should have drawn his heart to the heart of the father. If the father was rejoicing, he should have been rejoicing.
2. Thou art ever with me.
3. All that I have is thine. Note: When the younger son requested the portion of goods falling to him upon the father’s passing, the father divided his living unto both sons (Luke 15:12). All that the younger son had been given was wasted. All the remained belonged to the elder son.

B. The Meetness of the Celebration (Luke 15:32)

1. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad.
2. This thy brother was dead, and is alive again.
3. He was lost, and is found.

CONCLUSION: Is your heart prepared to receive and rejoice with those who repent?