Norm Spohr centers his message on Luke 15, particularly the Parable of the Prodigal Son, with a fresh lens: he invites the audience to consider that the father in the story is also a kind of prodigal—not in rebellion, but in reckless, extravagant goodness and grace.
He begins with humorous anecdotes to highlight how the meaning of words matters, especially the word “prodigal”. While it’s commonly associated with rebellion, its root actually means to spend or give lavishly, extravagantly—which, Norm suggests, also characterizes the father’s overwhelming mercy and goodness.
The sermon explores each of the three main characters—the younger son, the elder brother, and the father—but places the greatest emphasis on the father as a picture of our Heavenly Father, whose goodness exceeds all social or religious expectations. He runs to meet the repentant son, restores him with full dignity, and gently corrects the elder brother’s resentment, all of which display God’s unrelenting goodness.
Norm underscores that the story is not just about repentance and forgiveness, but a deeper revelation of the character of God the Father—a God who is generous, gracious, and welcoming, even when we expect judgment.
Outline:
1. Introduction: Understanding the Word “Prodigal”
The word prodigal means “recklessly extravagant,” not merely rebellious.
A few light-hearted family anecdotes underscore the importance of understanding definitions properly.
Norm challenges listeners to consider the father as the true “prodigal” in terms of generosity.
2. Characters in the Parable (Luke 15)
A. The Younger Son
Represents rebellion, sin, and brokenness.
Spends everything and returns in desperation.
Expecting shame, he instead finds forgiveness and restoration.
B. The Elder Brother
Represents self-righteousness and religious pride.
Resents the grace shown to his sibling.
Misses the joy of the father’s heart due to his sense of entitlement.
C. The Father
Lavishly gives to both sons.
Runs to meet the younger son—breaking cultural norms.
Offers full restoration (robe, ring, shoes, feast).
Pleads tenderly with the elder son, not harshly.
Central picture of God’s gracious character—patient, welcoming, forgiving, and good beyond measure.
3. Theological Themes
Repentance leads to restoration, not mere acceptance.
God’s grace is scandalous—far more generous than we expect.
The Father’s love is not earned by performance but is freely given.
The parable reframes how we view God—not as a stern judge waiting to punish, but as a Father waiting to embrace.
4. Application and Reflection
Are we more like the younger son or the elder brother?
Do we underestimate God’s goodness?
Are we willing to extend the same grace to others that God extends to us?
Encouragement to see the Father for who He really is: extravagantly good.
Closing Thought:
The message of Luke 15 is not just about a lost son, but about a good Father who never gives up—a Father who runs, embraces, restores, and invites us all into His joy.