Luke 15:7 (NIV)
7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Luke 15:10 (NIV)
10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Luke 15:11-12 (NIV)
11 … “There was a man who had two sons.
12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

Luke 15:13 (NIV)
13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.

Luke 15:14 (NIV)
14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.

Luke 15:15-16 (NIV)
15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.
16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

“Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.”

Luke 15:17 (NIV)
17 “When he came to his senses…

Luke 15:17-18 (NIV)
17 “When he came to his senses he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!
18 I will set out and go back to my father…

Luke 15:18-20 (NIV)
18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’
20 So he got up and went to his father…

Luke 15:20 (NIV)
… “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

Luke 15:21 (NIV)
21 … ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

Luke 15:22-24 (NIV)
22 … ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.
24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

• The Robe of Forgiveness, Love, and Grace

• The Ring to Restore his Identity and Belonging

• Sandals to indicate a Renewed Purpose and Meaning for life

PRODIGAL = recklessly extravagant; lavish

1 John 3:1 (NIV)
3 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are…!