The Heart of a Father

Pastor Luke Higgs Sunday Morning Service, June 21, 2026 Text: Luke 15:11-32 Missionary Bible Church Halifax, Nova Scotia http://www.mbchalifax.com/ Sermon Notes: This morning's message from Pastor Luke provides an exploration of the Parable of the Prodigal Son as found in Luke 15:11-32 (0:09-3:21). Rather than focusing primarily on the son's rebellion, Pastor Luke emphasizes the character and heart of the Heavenly Father. Core Attributes of the Father's Heart A Heart of Unconditional Love (9:31 - 28:46): Regardless of our affection for Him: The younger son's demand for his inheritance while his father was still living was a cultural insult, yet the father’s love remained unchanged (11:07-13:41). Regardless of our lostness: Even while the son wallowed in sin—wasting his substance on 'riotous living' and eventually tending to swine—the father’s love did not diminish (15:44-18:47). Regardless of our distance/time away: Pastor Luke notes that the father was daily watching for the son’s return, illustrating God's constant, anxious longing for His children to turn back to Him (22:10-28:46). A Heart of Unmerited Mercy (28:53 - 38:00): Compassion: When the father saw the son from a distance, he ran to meet him—an act that defied the dignity of an elder in that culture and shielded the son from potential community judgment (30:19-32:42). Affection: The father 'fell on his neck and kissed him,' a sign of complete restoration (33:03-34:33). Interruption of Condemnation: The father physically interrupts the son’s rehearsed confession, refusing to let him become a servant, emphasizing that his status as a son was never lost (35:53-37:50). A Heart of Unlimited Grace (38:01 - 43:24): The Robe: Symbolizing the righteousness of Christ given to believers (39:10-40:11). The Ring: Representing the seal of the Holy Spirit and authority in the family (40:12-40:43). The Shoes: Signifying the transition from a barefoot servant to a fully restored son (40:44-41:27). The Feast: The 'fatted calf' symbolizes God’s joy over one sinner who repents, noting that this is what truly brings rejoicing in the presence of the angels (41:28-43:24). Conclusion Pastor Luke concludes the sermon by sharing a touching story about a rebellious daughter returning home to find that her mother’s door had never been locked (43:31-45:14). He invites those who have not 'come home' to their Heavenly Father to accept His grace and salvation today (45:15-46:02).