The Prodigal: A Portrait of Self
Sep 28, 2025 • Thomas Bates
In this sermon, Pastor Thomas stands in for Pastor Gary to discuss the profound parable of the Prodigal Son, using insights from Henri Nouwen's book, "The Return of the Prodigal Son," and Rembrandt’s painting of the same name. Pastor Thomas encourages the congregation to see themselves in the parable, which features a loving father and his two distinct sons, the younger being wayward and the older being self-righteous. The sermon challenges listeners to reevaluate how they might identify with the younger son's waywardness or the older son's self-righteousness, emphasizing that these are not defining identities, but rather conditions that we all may experience at times.