THE PRODIGAL FATHER My father’s voice booms around the house. His heavy ring is on my thin finger. His oversized coat covers my shame and upon it his warmth and scents still linger. The taste of pig pods are on my tongue - a reminder of when I was at my least - but soon it will be washed away with wine and the fattened calf of my father’s feast. I see his servants rushing to prepare and recall my resolve to be one of them, but he refused to accept my works; he called me ‘found’ and would not condemn. I am his son and forever will be; and forever remember … He ran out to me. Jason Horsler please share
"Lay your deadly goodness down." This is one of the best sermons I've ever heard. I am so grateful for these transformative teachings and application of the Holy scriptures to our modern lives. Their truth is timeless and eternal.
I do feel humbled by Tim’s sermon because he speaks the truth. Yes both the younger and older sons were after the money. The elder was prepared to wait whilst the younger son had absolutely no respect and could not even wait till his father’s death to inherit. God always loves irrespective of how selfish his sons were. The elder son was devious and calculating always ding what looks good and the younger was a rebel. The only reason the younger son returns is not because he loves his father but because he recognizes that his father’s workmen had more to eat and drink.The younger son wanted to repent and fall at the feet of his father but he still does not love his father. Only the father truly loves. We do fall short of the grace of God but God’s love and grace conquers all our lust and sinful nature. We do fall short but we have the ability to recognize the love God has for us and therefore we are saved.
I don't know how long ago I've heard this sermon. But after a recent altercation with my eldest son, I was reminded of this sermon and felt I had to listen to this again. With the hopes that my heart be corrected somehow.
I have his book The Prodigal Father but this sermon has the essence in short. It is the best ever. I am coming back to take notes. Thank you so much for sharing. Pastor Timothy you are greatly missed.
Dr. Keller says that this parable Jesus tells of “the prodigal son” sums up Christianity. He opened my eyes to see the truth of God’s love for me. Thank you for the blessing.
The good doctor is, if nothing else, extremely consistent. Thank you for sharing these sermons. Especially this one. Prayers for Tim and family at this time. May the Lord honor Redeemer for faithfulness to the whole Gospel...
I dislike the fact that the elder brother's frustration is never looked upon with any sort of sympathy by Bible teachers. I think there are two reasons he feels the way he feels that are not just jealousy, self-righteousness and greed. The elder brother wishes he could get some recognition for his hard work and obedience but feels (I insist on "feels") like the father takes his presence and contribution for granted. He probably has more to do around the farm because of his brother's departure after all. I also think he has become such a self-suppressed workaholic he's forgotten how to rest and enjoy the things he owns. This is why his father has a kind answer and needs to remind him that all he owns is also his. The father never kept him from slaughtering a goat to have a party with his friends. The elder brother is doing this to himself. This is the reality of so many obedient Christian children who never tasted anything from the world, grew up in a rigid home and end up feeling resentful about it all as they reach adulthood. They have no joy and don't know how to unwind. I wish this angle could also be considered and applied to the modern elder brothers today.
I totally agree with you. I have sympathy for the elder brother who is hurt and quite distraught over his father's apparent lack of appreciation for his devotion to his father and constant reliable labour in comparison to his younger brother's self indulgent irresponsible behaviour.
Wonderful sermon! I love getting a new way of thinking from an old favorite. If you want a good read that brings up some of same ideas that you’ve just heard, read “The Return of the Prodigal Son” by Henri Nouwen.
This message is so powerful and so beautiful. God saves ,Jesus Christ saves and you save by willfully recognizing and accepting the will of the Holy Spirit.
I love this sermon. We are All the older and younger brother. We all need to respond to the gospel whether we are the prodigal son or the older brother. PTL
I don't know very much about the concept but I have heard that reformed theologians refer to a concept known as "repentance from good works". it does not mean that they stop doing good things, but rather that they stop thinking that good works save them. therefore they begin to look to Christ as a means of salvation rather than their own good deeds
Repenting of the wrong reasons you do things that are good-for instance, doing good to be seen, to try and earn GOD's favor, etc. and admitting that you are not a good person, and trusting in Christ's righteousness and what He did for you.
Isn't it interesting how this channel deletes any and all critiques of Mr. Keller's erroneous teaching on the Luke 15 parable? Mr Keller and this channel knows full well their reinterpretation of Luke 15 cannot stand solid biblically based exegetical criticism.
1. A Jew selling his land only was temporary. No matter what, it came back every 7 years. So no. Reading BIOS into that term is ridiculous. Giving him his portion, yes that is extreme but not unheard of. The way of JEW is NOT the way of pagan ANE cultures. 2. Another ANE mixing with Jewish culture, Abraham did it for an honored guest, Aaron did it to intercede for the plague, Elijah ran to Jezreel, 3. Father is used ALL through the Old Testament every time Israel is called Children of God. So they would not have been shocked to hear FATHER... All of this comes from NOT exegeting the ENTIRE Bible, reading into one passage what ANE scholars are trying to read into the Bible. his conclusion though is a stretch...the Pharisees were not moral obedient people, but hypocrites. THAT was the constant accusation. THIS is the justification for Keller to try to argue that obedience is not the 'big picture' but that contradicts EVERYTHING that Jesus taught. The part he hits right on is that GOD is the great Reward for a true disciple, and yes, neither son at the beginning wanted God. But the one who came back and repented, while the older brother is the unworthy servant who ONLY did what he was had to do. And NO THE FATHER DID NOT START IT... the repentance CAME in the pig pen! The Father RESPONDED to the free choice to come home. THIS CONTRADICTS Calvinism.
THE PRODIGAL FATHER
My father’s voice booms around the house.
His heavy ring is on my thin finger.
His oversized coat covers my shame
and upon it his warmth and scents still linger.
The taste of pig pods are on my tongue -
a reminder of when I was at my least -
but soon it will be washed away with wine
and the fattened calf of my father’s feast.
I see his servants rushing to prepare
and recall my resolve to be one of them,
but he refused to accept my works;
he called me ‘found’ and would not condemn.
I am his son and forever will be;
and forever remember … He ran out to me.
Jason Horsler
please share
2023 still loving this! Miss Pastor Keller!🙏❤️🕊
"Lay your deadly goodness down." This is one of the best sermons I've ever heard. I am so grateful for these transformative teachings and application of the Holy scriptures to our modern lives. Their truth is timeless and eternal.
Still reaching hearts. Thank you!
What an eye opening sermon. Makes you feel useless, and that we are. And that's why we all need Jesus.....
Every time I come to this sermon, it hits and convicts me in a different and profound way. Thank you, Dr. Keller, for so blessing me.
This needs more views, I come back to this again and again…
May God continue to bless the ministry of the late Tim Keller 🙏 ❤
Heavenly Father please bring your daughter Jenny back to you. Thank you heavenly Father. Her mom. In Jesus name amen
I do feel humbled by Tim’s sermon because he speaks the truth. Yes both the younger and older sons were after the money. The elder was prepared to wait whilst the younger son had absolutely no respect and could not even wait till his father’s death to inherit. God always loves irrespective of how selfish his sons were. The elder son was devious and calculating always ding what looks good and the younger was a rebel. The only reason the younger son returns is not because he loves his father but because he recognizes that his father’s workmen had more to eat and drink.The younger son wanted to repent and fall at the feet of his father but he still does not love his father. Only the father truly loves. We do fall short of the grace of God but God’s love and grace conquers all our lust and sinful nature. We do fall short but we have the ability to recognize the love God has for us and therefore we are saved.
I don't know how long ago I've heard this sermon. But after a recent altercation with my eldest son, I was reminded of this sermon and felt I had to listen to this again. With the hopes that my heart be corrected somehow.
One of the best sermons ❤️
I have his book The Prodigal Father but this sermon has the essence in short. It is the best ever. I am coming back to take notes. Thank you so much for sharing. Pastor Timothy you are greatly missed.
Outstanding! Never before have I seen such an amazing sermon. God loves!!!
amen brother🙏🙏
I’ve heard the scripture in this video so far, and what I’ve gotten is this: The point is just to be found. Not how you’re found. Just being found.
Dr. Keller says that this parable Jesus tells of “the prodigal son” sums up Christianity. He opened my eyes to see the truth of God’s love for me. Thank you for the blessing.
Awesome sermon let’s all pray for his health
The good doctor is, if nothing else, extremely consistent. Thank you for sharing these sermons. Especially this one. Prayers for Tim and family at this time. May the Lord honor Redeemer for faithfulness to the whole Gospel...
My favorite Redeemer sermon ever. Absolutely pierced my heart that I was trying to cling to the things of God instead of God Himself
Beautiful. Probably my favorite sermon from Tim Keller.
Simply one of the best sermons I've ever heard....and I've heard a lot!
Thoughtful message.
Thank you Pastor Tim. 🙏
I know this Father’s heart.
I dislike the fact that the elder brother's frustration is never looked upon with any sort of sympathy by Bible teachers. I think there are two reasons he feels the way he feels that are not just jealousy, self-righteousness and greed. The elder brother wishes he could get some recognition for his hard work and obedience but feels (I insist on "feels") like the father takes his presence and contribution for granted. He probably has more to do around the farm because of his brother's departure after all. I also think he has become such a self-suppressed workaholic he's forgotten how to rest and enjoy the things he owns. This is why his father has a kind answer and needs to remind him that all he owns is also his. The father never kept him from slaughtering a goat to have a party with his friends. The elder brother is doing this to himself. This is the reality of so many obedient Christian children who never tasted anything from the world, grew up in a rigid home and end up feeling resentful about it all as they reach adulthood. They have no joy and don't know how to unwind. I wish this angle could also be considered and applied to the modern elder brothers today.
AWalkingHat I love your take on unwinding and sabbath rest
I totally agree
Interesting point of view. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t do the right thing for hopes of any recognition.
I totally agree with you. I have sympathy for the elder brother who is hurt and quite distraught over his father's apparent lack of appreciation for his devotion to his father and constant reliable labour in comparison to his younger brother's self indulgent irresponsible behaviour.
Grace must never be ressentedno matter how natural the feeling; we all need grace.
Great Sermon...May God bless Tim Keller. Love from India...
Thank you.....Shared the sermon with my family ... My wife Rosemary , my son Bupe Lupupa, and my daughter Maka Lupupa
Absolutely Brilliant !!!!!
A beautifully fresh take on the story I thought I knew.
Please read Tim’s The Prodigal God.
Utterly fascinating! Never heard this perspective before. Certainly conforms to Isaiah 64:6 and Romans 3:21-23
Absolutely beautiful 🙏
Well presented and has insights. It has blessed my heart.
Wonderful sermon! I love getting a new way of thinking from an old favorite. If you want a good read that brings up some of same ideas that you’ve just heard, read “The Return of the Prodigal Son” by Henri Nouwen.
I love the writings of that author! Thank for the recommendation.
Very insightful sermon as always. Thank God for making me close to Him
This message is so powerful and so beautiful. God saves ,Jesus Christ saves and you save by willfully recognizing and accepting the will of the Holy Spirit.
Very well said
I love this sermon. We are All the older and younger brother. We all need to respond to the gospel whether we are the prodigal son or the older brother. PTL
🙏🙏🙏
Please enable closed captioning on this video channel.
Can anyone help further explain how to repent from something besides sin? Please and thank you!
I don't know very much about the concept but I have heard that reformed theologians refer to a concept known as "repentance from good works". it does not mean that they stop doing good things, but rather that they stop thinking that good works save them. therefore they begin to look to Christ as a means of salvation rather than their own good deeds
Repenting of the wrong reasons you do things that are good-for instance, doing good to be seen, to try and earn GOD's favor, etc. and admitting that you are not a good person, and trusting in Christ's righteousness and what He did for you.
I don't agree that the older son should be called prodigal
I’ve been told numerous times I’m the one what does that mean?
Isn't it interesting how this channel deletes any and all critiques of Mr. Keller's erroneous teaching on the Luke 15 parable? Mr Keller and this channel knows full well their reinterpretation of Luke 15 cannot stand solid biblically based exegetical criticism.
1. A Jew selling his land only was temporary. No matter what, it came back every 7 years. So no. Reading BIOS into that term is ridiculous. Giving him his portion, yes that is extreme but not unheard of. The way of JEW is NOT the way of pagan ANE cultures.
2. Another ANE mixing with Jewish culture, Abraham did it for an honored guest, Aaron did it to intercede for the plague, Elijah ran to Jezreel,
3. Father is used ALL through the Old Testament every time Israel is called Children of God. So they would not have been shocked to hear FATHER...
All of this comes from NOT exegeting the ENTIRE Bible, reading into one passage what ANE scholars are trying to read into the Bible.
his conclusion though is a stretch...the Pharisees were not moral obedient people, but hypocrites. THAT was the constant accusation. THIS is the justification for Keller to try to argue that obedience is not the 'big picture' but that contradicts EVERYTHING that Jesus taught.
The part he hits right on is that GOD is the great Reward for a true disciple, and yes, neither son at the beginning wanted God. But the one who came back and repented, while the older brother is the unworthy servant who ONLY did what he was had to do.
And NO THE FATHER DID NOT START IT... the repentance CAME in the pig pen! The Father RESPONDED to the free choice to come home. THIS CONTRADICTS Calvinism.