Our series this month is ROADS.
Most ancient roads were simple dirt paths for caravans and had many of the problems that our dirt roads and paths do today.
One of the wonders of Roman engineering was the construction of sturdy and interconnected road system throughout their entire empire.
In the time of Jesus, the Roman road system consisted of great highways radiating from Rome, running through dozens of provinces, territories, and client kingdoms. This is where we get the expression, "All Roads Lead to Rome."

In this series, we are looking at 4 different roads that are associated with actual locations in the Bible.
Over the past 2 weeks, we've looked at the Road to Capernaum where Jesus' rejection in His hometown of Nazareth led Him down this road. This story can be found in Luke 4 where we see Jesus continuing His Ministry; prioritizing God's purpose for His life. For us, this speaks of rearranging our priorities in order to minister to others in our church and in our community.
Last week we looked at the Road to Jericho and the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. This story teaches us about Compassion. In a world of brokeness, God desires that we see the need, be the one, go and do!

Today we're looking at the Road to Home, also known as the Prodigal Son.
It is found in Luke 15:11-24 and teaches us about Reconciliation.

The Greek word translated as "reconciliation" literally means "change" or "exchange," referring to a positive difference in the status of a relationship.
Reconciliation is like merging 2 separate, closed off pieces into one unit. Think of 2 or more puzzle pieces coming together.

We'll just look at a portion of the Good Samaritan story today in Luke 15:11-24.

Background:
As you read the book of Luke, you'll find that Jesus is on a road trip starting in Luke 9.
He has begun an intentional and determined walk to Jerusalem. This trip will last about 9 months and take Jesus all the way to the end of His life and minstry.
According to John 10, Jesus has been in Jerusalem at the Feast of Dedication. After a confrontation with the Jewish rulers, the Lord left and walked down the Road to Jericho, crossed the Jordan River, and is now in the Province of Perea. There he spent 4-5 months drawing large crowds, speaking, healing, preparing His disciples for His coming death, and bringing people to faith.
The opening verses of Luke 15 (v. 1 & 2) provide the context for the rest of the chapter and the story that was read.

The religious rulers muttered about Jesus being with those who they deemed socially and spiritually beneath them.
To confront them, Jesus told a series of 3 stories (or word pictures). Each of these emphasize the lostness of those He was spending time with, the effort required to find those who are separated from God, the joy God has when a person comes to faith, and great insights into how reconciliation happens.

The 3rd story, known as the Prodigal Son, deals with a young man's Road to Home.
In this story there is no specific location or destination that are identified. It's a story where the idea of a road is a metaphor. It illustrates this young man's journey into a life of sinful indulgence and the factors that led to his return and reconciliation with his loving Father. It's a picture of anyone of us, coming to God, but also renewing broken relationships with others.
This story is a stark contrast to the attitudes and actions of the self-righteous people in attendance. They thought they were too good to need God and thought they were better than those whose sins were more obvious than theirs. They turned up their noses and developed calloused hearts and minds.

From the story we see lessons that can be applied as we seek to Reconcile people to God, but also into healthy relationships.

1. Reconciliation involves people with broken relationships.
Luke 15:1-2; 11-12

2. Reconciliaiton is necessary to stop the destruction of broken relationships.
Luke 15:13-16

3. Reconciliation cannot take place until the person in the wrong comes to their senses.
Luke 15:17

4. Reconciliation involves repentance and admission of their role in the broken relationship.
Luke 15:18

5. Reconciliation means a person must accept the consequences of their actions.
Luke 15:19

6. Reconciliation does require a humbling of oneself.
Luke 15:20a; 21

7. Reconciliation involves the giving of grace.
Luke 15:20b-c; 22-24

God sent His Son to Reconcile humanity to Himself.
Once a person enters into a new life with Christ, we are entrusted with a similar task - to tell others about Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:18-21