March 30th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"Coming Home" Text: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Lectionary Readings — Fourth Sunday in Lent — March 30, 2025

Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

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Call to Worship (based on Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32)

Leader: Now the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus.

People: And the Pharisees were grumbling, saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."

Leader: So Jesus told them this parable: "There was a man who had two sons."

People: The younger son gathered all he had, traveled to a distant country, and squandered his property.

Leader: When he had spent everything and began to be in need, he said, "I will go to my father."

People: While he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and embraced him.

Leader: The father said, "Quickly, bring the best robe, put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet."

People: "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!"

Leader: The elder son became angry and said, "For all these years I have worked for you, and never disobeyed."

People: But the father said, "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours."

Leader: "This brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found!"

People: Let us worship the God who welcomes us home and rejoices in our restoration.

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Opening Prayer (based on Joshua 5:9-12)

Let us pray:

Gracious and loving God,

As we gather on this Fourth Sunday of Lent, we come before you with humble hearts, remembering how you rolled away the reproach of Egypt from your people at Gilgal. Just as you brought the Israelites out of bondage into the promised land, we ask that you would roll away our shame and set us free from all that binds us.

Lord, in this season of reflection and repentance, we remember how your people celebrated the Passover on the plains of Jericho, eating the produce of the land. The manna ceased, and they ate from the abundance of Canaan. In this moment, they transitioned from wandering to dwelling, from supernatural provision to the fruits of the promised land.

We too stand in a moment of transition. Like the Israelites who no longer needed manna once they entered the promised land, help us to recognize the ways you provide for us today. Open our eyes to see the abundance that surrounds us, even as we journey through our own wilderness experiences.

Roll away our reproach, O God. Remove our shame and fear. Give us courage to leave behind our old ways of living and embrace the new life you offer us. Feed us not just with physical bread but with your presence, your wisdom, and your love.

As we continue our Lenten journey toward the cross and the empty tomb, may we taste and see that you are good. May we feast on your faithfulness and be satisfied by your grace.

In the name of Jesus Christ, who leads us from bondage to freedom, from shame to dignity, from scarcity to abundance, we pray.

Amen.

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Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]

Sermon Outline: "Coming Home" (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32)

Introduction:

• The context of Jesus telling this parable - tax collectors and sinners drawing near, Pharisees and scribes grumbling

• This parable is the third in a series (lost sheep, lost coin, lost son) about God's heart for the lost

• Often called "The Prodigal Son" but might better be titled "The Waiting Father" or "The Two Lost Sons"

• This is ultimately a story about God's character and our response to His grace

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I. Rebellion - The Younger Son's Departure (Luke 15:11-16)

A. Request that reveals his heart

B. Retreat from family and faith

C. Ruin that follows poor choices

II. Realization - The Moment of Truth (Luke 15:17-20a)

A. Recognition of his condition

B. Remorse for his actions

C. Resolution to return home

III. Restoration - The Father's Response (Luke 15:20b-24)

A. Recognition from afar

B. Reconciliation before repentance is complete

C. Reinstatement to full sonship

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IV. Resentment - The Elder Son's Reaction (Luke 15:25-30)

A. Refusal to join the celebration

B. Reproach toward the father

C. Righteousness that is self-focused

V. Revelation - The Father's Final Word (Luke 15:31-32)

A. Reminder of relationship and resources

B. Reason for celebration

C. Requirement for family unity

Conclusion:

1. Where do you see yourself in this story?

2. What does this teach us about God?

3. Our invitation is twofold:

4. Final Challenge:

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers