Micah 7:18-20; 1 Peter 5:6-11; St Luke 15:1-32
In the Name + of JESUS. Amen.
Historically you would have heard only the first two parables - the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin. According to the LSB you would have received the final - the Lost Son or the Compassionate Father, which is, truly, the Evangelium in Evangelio, the Gospel within the Gospel. But as is our prerogative and freedom, we read them all. For they belong together, these three parables, as a triptych of sorts, exemplifying the work of the Blessed Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, though not in order.
In the Lost Sheep you have the beloved picture of the Good Shepherd who seeks out the one lost among a hundred. Is this not the common image of the Good Shepherd? Our window has it as most - sterile and serene, romantic and picturesque. But consider the true nature of the Good Shepherd, who not only seeks out the lost sheep, but dies for it. He lays down His life for the sheep.
Also here. Sending the ninety-nine home with the other shepherds, the Chief Shepherd walks alone, surrounded by danger on all sides, at risk and prey. Finding the animal hidden behind the bush He is not exasperated, but would crush the head of the serpent which is her terror, loving pulls her out, cleans her off, removing the thorns and thistles, and then lifts her to His shoulder, bearing the full weight of her disobedience and foolishness. He carries her home, not forcing her to walk, but doing the work Himself; eager to rejoice with the whole company over the lost sheep now found. Rejoice with Me, for I have found My sheep that was lost. Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over the ninety-nine (self) righteous persons who need no repentance.
This is one side panel of the triptych. The other is the Lost Coin. Some have seen in the woman the person of the Holy Spirit or perhaps the Divine Wisdom whom you heard last week in Proverbs. This is problematic for two reasons. Christ is Wisdom Incarnate and the work of the Holy Spirit cannot be separated from the person of Christ.
Alternatively, consider the explanation of the Third Article of the Apostles Creed. How does the Holy Spirit work? Through the Word and Sacraments, the Law and Gospel of the Word of the living God, read and preached. Where? In the Church, the Holy Bride of Christ, who is privileged to be the vehicle of His on-gong work following His Ascension.
She seeks out those who were bestowed to her in love, the treasures of her dowry, the beloved in the Lord for whom He shed His precious blood, by lighting the Lamp of Christ’s Word and lifting high its saving Light, seeking diligently to find the poor soul redeemed by the blood of Christ. In this Light we see Light. By the Light of the Word are we found; all darkness being dispelled. In it you are restored to fellowship with the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven, who are pleased to dwell with us on earth, basking in the glory of the crucified Christ who comes to us in His holy Word and Supper. Rejoice with the Church over the redemption of lost sinners.
But the center panel of these artful parables is the Prodigal. It is the pearl and crown of all the parables of Scripture; one containing the full circle of doctrine and the saving Gospel and a glorious picture of the compassionate heart of God our Father in Jesus Christ our Lord.
There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, “Give me the share of property that is coming to me.” Levitically he had a right to a small portion, half of that which shall be bestowed upon the first born. But his demand is despicable and betrays the heart of man: the desire to be independent of God, to live as if He did not matter, and I mattered most. “I shall take the ordering of my life into my own hands. I’m tired of your house and your rules. Old man, you’re dead to me.” A fine Father’s Day indeed!
He divided his property between them. Already you see the mercy of the father. The son’s heart had already left home, forcing him to stay would have been futile. God will not force Himself on anyone who does not want Him. Those who seek to exchange the truth of God for a lie, He will, in His wisdom, give them up to their desires, seeking to humble them, to eventually realize the sheer emptiness of their choices and the loss of true love at home in the house of their Father.
Gathering his portion, the younger son took a journey into a far country away from the watchful eye of his father, out from under his guidance and protection, putting his father not only far from him physically, but far from his conscience to indulge in his passions and lusts, to live recklessly, lawlessly.
This, beloved, is truly death. To wander away from the house and home of our Father, to journey into the far country of our own sins and delusions, thinking that indulgence is freedom. St Paul asks, What fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death (Rm 6:21). He who wanted to use the world as his servant to minister to his pleasures ends up becoming its slave. In misery he consumes the husks of his immorality, always hungry, but never satisfied. The food of beasts cannot appease the cravings of man. St Augustine has said, “You have made us for Yourself and our hearts are restless, O Lord, until they rest in You” (Confessions, Book 1).
The stern discipline of divine mercy has its effect on this young man; and he came to himself and said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!” “He came to himself.” In remembering who is father is he began to realize anew who he truly was. When God speaks, saying, “I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods before Me,” you begin to realize your identity as well. To be found in God is to find oneself, too.
This is the beginning of repentance. I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer wroth to be called your son. But he lacks true faith. He designs to earn his way back; to merit his father’s good graces in time by living as a servant, a slave. But the mercy of his father, the compassion of the man whom he despised causes him to arise and go to him. He has confidence in his loving kindness and hopes that as he was once a son, he can now, by grace, be made a slave.
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion. The significance of this word cannot be overlooked. Compassion. εσπλαγχνισθη. From splanchna. This onomatopoeic word pertaining to the disemboweling of the animal sacrifices. This deep, visceral, guttural mercy and extreme pity that moves one to action. In the Gospels this word is only used of Christ and God the Father. You heard it from Micah: Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of His inheritance? He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities underfoot.
Such compassion moved him to act. The father ran and embraced his son and kissed him. He does not wait for the son to come all the way; does not make him grovel on the front porch. But runs to him, embracing and kissing him. Then, having received such evidences of the father’s love, the son confesses. And gone is the meritorious plea of service. He hears no mention of his sin, no discussion of his immorality and impudence, but only the loving kindness of a father who will not have an apprentice serving in fear, but welcomes home a son, embracing him in the arms of his love and restoring him to fellowship.
So too with your heavenly Father. Returning to Him in repentance and faith, He embraces a child, not a slave. He does not throw your sins in your face, but casts them into the depths of the sea. In deep compassion He clothes you in the robe of Christ’s righteousness that covers all your sins. He places on your hand the signet ring of the family, the pledge and seal of His Holy Spirit. And on your once dirty feet, which He stoops to wash, He fits with the Gospel of peace, that you may walk in His forgiveness and love as beloved children.
For indeed He has slaughtered the fattened calf to ensure your homecoming. That is, your true Father has fattened up His own Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, with your sin. He laid upon Him all your iniquity and led Him to be slaughtered in order that His blood might mark you as His own and assure you of His forgiveness and reconciliation. Though you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
This is the extravagant grace and the prodigal mercy of your Father who art in heaven. He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in steadfast love. His anger is truly abated for it has been poured out on Christ Jesus, His Son, our Lord, who resisted the devouring jaws of the devil, destroying that imposter of a lion with the ferocity of His love as the true Lion of the Tribe of Judah. He has devoured death by His death and brought life and immortality to light. He has prepared a place for you in the Father’s house, truly free. Free to serve and worship Him without fear, holy and righteous in His sight all the days of your life. For you were once dead; wandering far from your Father’s home, dead in trespasses and sins in which you once walked, but now you are alive in Christ Jesus our Lord who loved you and gave Himself up for you. With what joy shall you celebrate with the household of faith!
Or shall you stand outside, as the older brother, refusing to enter into the fellowship on account of the mercy and joy of others? Recall the original context of this parable: Tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to hear Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” So He told them these parables.
It is true that according to your pedigree and position you are the younger son in this parable. Perhaps you don’t have a remarkable testimony in the eyes of some who count such foolish things as Christian. But you did live an immoral and lawless life, a true enemy and hater of God, wandering far from your Father’s home in shame and death. And then, according to God’s mercy, you were baptized two weeks after you were born.
Or maybe you weren’t. Maybe it was two years. Or twenty. Or more. At any rate, you who were once far off have brought near by the blood of Christ. Welcomed home in compassion and love.
Be on guard, then, that as you live here, having been made a son and heir, learning discipline and obedience not in servile fear, but in joyous faith, that you do not become as the older brother. Do not begrudge those who have been welcomed home, but whose past is more checkered than your own. Some sins are obvious and seen by all. Others are hidden from the world, but still known to God. No one is righteous. No not one. Do not presume on the goodness of God for yourself while withholding it from others.
The older brother experiences kind of the opposite of “schadenfreude.” Instead of being happy a the misfortune of another, he is angry at the joy of another, and so misses out on true joy himself. In wanting the goat with his friends he refuses the Lamb with His Father. To refuse to eat with redeemed and forgiven sinners is to refuse fellowship with Christ Jesus Himself who ate with tax collectors and sinners. In the end, Jesus leaves the older brother still standing on the porch. Does he repent and go in?
How about you? Whether you have wandered far from home or have been here all along, whether you lived recklessly or strived for obedience, your Father’s compassion and love are for you. He withholds no good things from you. But all that He has is yours by faith in Christ Jesus. Do not look to get something from God. For you posses all things in Him. As our Lord Jesus has promised: All that the Father has is Mine; therefore I said that the Holy Spirit will take what is Mine and declare it to you (Jn 16:15). Children, you are always with Him and all that is His is yours. It is fitting to celebrate and be glad, for you and all your brothers and sisters were dead, but are now alive; were lost and are found.
The Lamb has been slain, yet behold He lives; His Body and His Blood are for you, for the forgiveness of your sins, reconciliation and peace and joy; patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Come in to your Father’s house, rejoice with the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven, for Jesus still receives sinners and eats with them.
In the Name of the Father + and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In the Name + of JESUS. Amen.
Historically you would have heard only the first two parables - the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin. According to the LSB you would have received the final - the Lost Son or the Compassionate Father, which is, truly, the Evangelium in Evangelio, the Gospel within the Gospel. But as is our prerogative and freedom, we read them all. For they belong together, these three parables, as a triptych of sorts, exemplifying the work of the Blessed Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, though not in order.
In the Lost Sheep you have the beloved picture of the Good Shepherd who seeks out the one lost among a hundred. Is this not the common image of the Good Shepherd? Our window has it as most - sterile and serene, romantic and picturesque. But consider the true nature of the Good Shepherd, who not only seeks out the lost sheep, but dies for it. He lays down His life for the sheep.
Also here. Sending the ninety-nine home with the other shepherds, the Chief Shepherd walks alone, surrounded by danger on all sides, at risk and prey. Finding the animal hidden behind the bush He is not exasperated, but would crush the head of the serpent which is her terror, loving pulls her out, cleans her off, removing the thorns and thistles, and then lifts her to His shoulder, bearing the full weight of her disobedience and foolishness. He carries her home, not forcing her to walk, but doing the work Himself; eager to rejoice with the whole company over the lost sheep now found. Rejoice with Me, for I have found My sheep that was lost. Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over the ninety-nine (self) righteous persons who need no repentance.
This is one side panel of the triptych. The other is the Lost Coin. Some have seen in the woman the person of the Holy Spirit or perhaps the Divine Wisdom whom you heard last week in Proverbs. This is problematic for two reasons. Christ is Wisdom Incarnate and the work of the Holy Spirit cannot be separated from the person of Christ.
Alternatively, consider the explanation of the Third Article of the Apostles Creed. How does the Holy Spirit work? Through the Word and Sacraments, the Law and Gospel of the Word of the living God, read and preached. Where? In the Church, the Holy Bride of Christ, who is privileged to be the vehicle of His on-gong work following His Ascension.
She seeks out those who were bestowed to her in love, the treasures of her dowry, the beloved in the Lord for whom He shed His precious blood, by lighting the Lamp of Christ’s Word and lifting high its saving Light, seeking diligently to find the poor soul redeemed by the blood of Christ. In this Light we see Light. By the Light of the Word are we found; all darkness being dispelled. In it you are restored to fellowship with the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven, who are pleased to dwell with us on earth, basking in the glory of the crucified Christ who comes to us in His holy Word and Supper. Rejoice with the Church over the redemption of lost sinners.
But the center panel of these artful parables is the Prodigal. It is the pearl and crown of all the parables of Scripture; one containing the full circle of doctrine and the saving Gospel and a glorious picture of the compassionate heart of God our Father in Jesus Christ our Lord.
There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, “Give me the share of property that is coming to me.” Levitically he had a right to a small portion, half of that which shall be bestowed upon the first born. But his demand is despicable and betrays the heart of man: the desire to be independent of God, to live as if He did not matter, and I mattered most. “I shall take the ordering of my life into my own hands. I’m tired of your house and your rules. Old man, you’re dead to me.” A fine Father’s Day indeed!
He divided his property between them. Already you see the mercy of the father. The son’s heart had already left home, forcing him to stay would have been futile. God will not force Himself on anyone who does not want Him. Those who seek to exchange the truth of God for a lie, He will, in His wisdom, give them up to their desires, seeking to humble them, to eventually realize the sheer emptiness of their choices and the loss of true love at home in the house of their Father.
Gathering his portion, the younger son took a journey into a far country away from the watchful eye of his father, out from under his guidance and protection, putting his father not only far from him physically, but far from his conscience to indulge in his passions and lusts, to live recklessly, lawlessly.
This, beloved, is truly death. To wander away from the house and home of our Father, to journey into the far country of our own sins and delusions, thinking that indulgence is freedom. St Paul asks, What fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death (Rm 6:21). He who wanted to use the world as his servant to minister to his pleasures ends up becoming its slave. In misery he consumes the husks of his immorality, always hungry, but never satisfied. The food of beasts cannot appease the cravings of man. St Augustine has said, “You have made us for Yourself and our hearts are restless, O Lord, until they rest in You” (Confessions, Book 1).
The stern discipline of divine mercy has its effect on this young man; and he came to himself and said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!” “He came to himself.” In remembering who is father is he began to realize anew who he truly was. When God speaks, saying, “I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods before Me,” you begin to realize your identity as well. To be found in God is to find oneself, too.
This is the beginning of repentance. I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer wroth to be called your son. But he lacks true faith. He designs to earn his way back; to merit his father’s good graces in time by living as a servant, a slave. But the mercy of his father, the compassion of the man whom he despised causes him to arise and go to him. He has confidence in his loving kindness and hopes that as he was once a son, he can now, by grace, be made a slave.
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion. The significance of this word cannot be overlooked. Compassion. εσπλαγχνισθη. From splanchna. This onomatopoeic word pertaining to the disemboweling of the animal sacrifices. This deep, visceral, guttural mercy and extreme pity that moves one to action. In the Gospels this word is only used of Christ and God the Father. You heard it from Micah: Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of His inheritance? He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities underfoot.
Such compassion moved him to act. The father ran and embraced his son and kissed him. He does not wait for the son to come all the way; does not make him grovel on the front porch. But runs to him, embracing and kissing him. Then, having received such evidences of the father’s love, the son confesses. And gone is the meritorious plea of service. He hears no mention of his sin, no discussion of his immorality and impudence, but only the loving kindness of a father who will not have an apprentice serving in fear, but welcomes home a son, embracing him in the arms of his love and restoring him to fellowship.
So too with your heavenly Father. Returning to Him in repentance and faith, He embraces a child, not a slave. He does not throw your sins in your face, but casts them into the depths of the sea. In deep compassion He clothes you in the robe of Christ’s righteousness that covers all your sins. He places on your hand the signet ring of the family, the pledge and seal of His Holy Spirit. And on your once dirty feet, which He stoops to wash, He fits with the Gospel of peace, that you may walk in His forgiveness and love as beloved children.
For indeed He has slaughtered the fattened calf to ensure your homecoming. That is, your true Father has fattened up His own Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, with your sin. He laid upon Him all your iniquity and led Him to be slaughtered in order that His blood might mark you as His own and assure you of His forgiveness and reconciliation. Though you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
This is the extravagant grace and the prodigal mercy of your Father who art in heaven. He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in steadfast love. His anger is truly abated for it has been poured out on Christ Jesus, His Son, our Lord, who resisted the devouring jaws of the devil, destroying that imposter of a lion with the ferocity of His love as the true Lion of the Tribe of Judah. He has devoured death by His death and brought life and immortality to light. He has prepared a place for you in the Father’s house, truly free. Free to serve and worship Him without fear, holy and righteous in His sight all the days of your life. For you were once dead; wandering far from your Father’s home, dead in trespasses and sins in which you once walked, but now you are alive in Christ Jesus our Lord who loved you and gave Himself up for you. With what joy shall you celebrate with the household of faith!
Or shall you stand outside, as the older brother, refusing to enter into the fellowship on account of the mercy and joy of others? Recall the original context of this parable: Tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to hear Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” So He told them these parables.
It is true that according to your pedigree and position you are the younger son in this parable. Perhaps you don’t have a remarkable testimony in the eyes of some who count such foolish things as Christian. But you did live an immoral and lawless life, a true enemy and hater of God, wandering far from your Father’s home in shame and death. And then, according to God’s mercy, you were baptized two weeks after you were born.
Or maybe you weren’t. Maybe it was two years. Or twenty. Or more. At any rate, you who were once far off have brought near by the blood of Christ. Welcomed home in compassion and love.
Be on guard, then, that as you live here, having been made a son and heir, learning discipline and obedience not in servile fear, but in joyous faith, that you do not become as the older brother. Do not begrudge those who have been welcomed home, but whose past is more checkered than your own. Some sins are obvious and seen by all. Others are hidden from the world, but still known to God. No one is righteous. No not one. Do not presume on the goodness of God for yourself while withholding it from others.
The older brother experiences kind of the opposite of “schadenfreude.” Instead of being happy a the misfortune of another, he is angry at the joy of another, and so misses out on true joy himself. In wanting the goat with his friends he refuses the Lamb with His Father. To refuse to eat with redeemed and forgiven sinners is to refuse fellowship with Christ Jesus Himself who ate with tax collectors and sinners. In the end, Jesus leaves the older brother still standing on the porch. Does he repent and go in?
How about you? Whether you have wandered far from home or have been here all along, whether you lived recklessly or strived for obedience, your Father’s compassion and love are for you. He withholds no good things from you. But all that He has is yours by faith in Christ Jesus. Do not look to get something from God. For you posses all things in Him. As our Lord Jesus has promised: All that the Father has is Mine; therefore I said that the Holy Spirit will take what is Mine and declare it to you (Jn 16:15). Children, you are always with Him and all that is His is yours. It is fitting to celebrate and be glad, for you and all your brothers and sisters were dead, but are now alive; were lost and are found.
The Lamb has been slain, yet behold He lives; His Body and His Blood are for you, for the forgiveness of your sins, reconciliation and peace and joy; patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Come in to your Father’s house, rejoice with the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven, for Jesus still receives sinners and eats with them.
In the Name of the Father + and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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