Feb 26 , 2023: Worship Service Family Worship Series No.3  ,"The Parable of the Prodigal Son” 

Family worship (3)

New character: Robert, 32 years old, office worker. He is dad's younger brother.

Dad:

“Hi guys! There is good news! Uncle Robert is coming to visit us tomorrow. He had been in the Philippines and Los Angeles on a business trip. He sent me an email asking if he could spend one night."

James:

“Wow! It's been a long time since I have seen him. He is good at telling jokes, and he is a lot of fun to talk to.”

Sophia:

“He goes abroad a lot. Did he bring any souvenirs for us?”

Grace:

“Mom, let's make a big meal!"

Mom:

“Yes, we should. What kind of food does he like?”

Grace:

“I think he loves Japanese food.”

Dad's homemade apple pie

 

Title: “The Parable of the Prodigal Son”

 

Bible:

Luke 15:7

“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.”

 

Dad:

“Today we will have a family worship service with Uncle Robert. Let's welcome him!”

Robert:

“Thank you.”

Mom:

"Well, let's sing a praise song and then watch the video.”

 

Prelude:

Video:"The Prodigal Son"

 

Dad:

“This parable is also famous. I'll skip the story. What kind of people are the characters?”

James:

“Jesus, his disciples, and the Pharisees, the scribes. And the parable was about a father and his two sons.”

Dad:

“That's right. By the way, why do you think Jesus told this parable?”

Grace:

“Because the scribes were saying bad things about Jesus' friendship with sinners and tax collectors, weren't they? But, although the plot of Jesus' parables is easy to understand, sometimes it's hard to understand what Jesus is trying to say.”

Robert:

"Wow! Grace, you say such profound things. I’m very impressed hahaha.”

Mom:

“Sophia, which do you like better, the older brother or the younger one?”

Sophia:

“Of course, I like the older brother! Because the younger brother ran away from home because of his selfishness. He made everyone worried.”

Dad:

"Yeah, that's true.”

James:

“But don't you think the older brother is a bit cold?”

Grace:

“I think so too. The younger brother came home after feeling sorry for himself, so they should give him a warm welcome.”

Sophia:

“Yes, that's true. But the older brother had been working so hard. I think the father was unfair.”

Robert:

“Sophia sounds a little bit harsh hahaha”

James:

“I think the father meant well. The younger son made a huge mistake, but the father forgave everything and accepts and loves his son.”

Grace:

“The father explained to the older son the reason why the father treated the younger son the way he did. I hope the older son understood, but I’m not sure.”

Dad:

“Grace had a question about what Jesus wanted to say in this story. It was even hard for the disciples to understand. The older brother would not be satisfied since the father not only welcomed the prodigal son without punishment but also congratulated him, right? But Jesus had other thoughts.

Sophia:

“I got it. Jesus is a bundle of love, right?”

Dad:

“That's a great quote.”

Robert:

“In fact, I was the prodigal son, too.”

All:

“What?”

Sophia:

“Uncle Robert! Is it true? I can't believe it.”

Robert:

“It's a long story, so I'll tell it later. This parable still exists today.”

Mom:

“Let me add a little explanation. The older brother symbolized a Pharisee or a scribe. The scribes and Pharisees kept the Old Testament law and did not doubt that they were God's chosen people. They believed that a Savior would be born someday, but they never thought it would be Jesus. They were going to sue Jesus if He violated the law. They could not stand that Jesus ate with tax collectors and healed the sick on the Sabbath, which was one of the most important laws. Sophia said Jesus is a bundle of love. Jesus made friends with those who were hated by everyone or those who were weak without making any distinction. I believe that Jesus' wish was that these people would repent and come to know God's love. By the way, I would like to share one more thing. Jesus was not simply condemning the Scribes and Pharisees. Grace said that the father explained to the older son about his wish. That is what I want to draw your attention to. The father told the older son that he will inherit all of his possession. Jesus wanted the scribes and Pharisees to realize God's plan and to believe Jesus is God's only begotten Son and Savior. God wants all people to be saved and live happy lives and that no one perishes. Now, let's sing one more song, and Grace, could you pray for us?”

 

Prayer of Grace:

“Dear God, thank you for allowing me to worship with Uncle Robert today. We learned once again that God loves everyone even when we fail. Please help us to be those who can love like Jesus. We pray through in the name of Jesus. Amen!”

 

Uncle Robert's testimony is attached. "Self Introduction"

 

Postlude:

 

Notice

My cataract surgery was a great success.
The progress is going very well. Thank you for your prayers and concern. I give thanks and glory to God.

Dr. Masaaki Sato donated a lot of eye drops when I visited the evacuation center in Suceava, Romania to support Ukraine last summer. He is very popular and greatly loved by people in the community of all generations.

He has competed in many international and national marathons in unique costumes and has achieved excellent results.

 

                   

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