Title: The Father’s Heart – Reflecting God in Our Homes

Text: Luke 15:11–32 (The Parable of the Prodigal Son)

Theme: A godly father reflects the heart of God—full of love, mercy, strength, and presence.

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I. Introduction: Honoring Fathers / Introducción: Honrando a los Padres

English:

Today we honor fathers—not because they’re perfect, but because they play a divine role. A father’s presence can bless, build, and guide. And whether you are a biological father, a spiritual father, a mentor, or a father figure, your role reflects the image of God.

Spanish:

Hoy honramos a los padres—no porque sean perfectos, sino porque tienen un papel divino. La presencia de un padre puede bendecir, edificar y guiar. Ya seas padre biológico, padre espiritual, mentor o figura paterna, tu papel refleja la imagen de Dios.

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II. The Father in the Story / El Padre en la Historia

Text/Textos: Luke/Lucas 15:11–32

This parable often focuses on the lost son, but today let’s look at the father—a picture of God’s heart and a model for earthly fathers.

1. The Father Gives Freedom / El Padre Da Libertad

> “He divided his property between them…” (v. 12)

English:

A good father doesn’t control—he teaches, trusts, and gives room to grow. He gives freedom, knowing that love must be chosen, not forced.

Spanish:

Un buen padre no controla—enseña, confía y da espacio para crecer. Da libertad, sabiendo que el amor verdadero debe ser escogido, no forzado.

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2. The Father Waits and Watches / El Padre Espera y Observa

> “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him…” (v. 20)

English:

The father’s eyes were always on the horizon. He never gave up. Fathers, don’t stop believing in your children—even when they wander.

Spanish:

Los ojos del padre siempre estaban en el horizonte. Nunca se rindió. Padres, no dejen de creer en sus hijos—aun cuando se desvíen.

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3. The Father Runs with Compassion / El Padre Corre con Compasión

> “He ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him…” (v. 20)

English:

In ancient culture, running was undignified for a man of his status. But love moved him to break tradition. Fathers, show your love freely. Strong men weep, embrace, forgive.

Spanish:

En la cultura antigua, correr era indigno para un hombre de su estatus. Pero el amor lo movió a romper tradiciones. Padres, muestren su amor libremente. Los hombres fuertes lloran, abrazan, perdonan.

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4. The Father Restores Identity / El Padre Restaura la Identidad

> “Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet…” (v. 22)

English:

The father didn’t just forgive—he restored. He reminded the son who he was: still part of the family, still loved. Fathers, speak life over your children.

Spanish:

El padre no solo perdonó—restauró. Le recordó al hijo quién era: aún parte de la familia, aún amado. Padres, hablen vida sobre sus hijos.

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III. Application: A Call to All Fathers / Aplicación: Un Llamado a Todos los Padres

English:

God is not asking for perfect fathers—but for present ones.

Not for superheroes—but for servants.

Not for men who never fall—but for men who always rise up in faith.

Spanish:

Dios no pide padres perfectos—sino presentes.

No superhéroes—sino siervos.

No hombres que nunca caen—sino hombres que siempre se levantan en fe.

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IV. Encouragement for Those with Father Wounds / Palabras para los que tienen heridas de padre

English:

Maybe today is hard because your father was absent, hurtful, or gone. The good news is—God is the Father who never leaves. Psalm 68:5 says: “A father to the fatherless…”

Spanish:

Tal vez hoy sea difícil porque tu padre estuvo ausente, fue hiriente o ya no está. La buena noticia es que Dios es el Padre que nunca se va. Salmo 68:5 dice: “Padre de huérfanos…”

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V. Final Challenge / Desafío Final

English:

Fathers, will you reflect the heart of God in your home? Will you forgive, wait, restore, and lead with love? The next generation depends on it.

Spanish:

Padres, ¿reflejarán el corazón de Dios en su hogar? ¿Perdonarán, esperarán, restaurarán y liderarán con amor? La próxima generación depende de ello.

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Closing Prayer / Oración Final

“Lord, help every father here reflect Your heart—full of love, mercy, strength, and truth. Heal father wounds, raise up spiritual fathers, and bless every man to walk in Your example. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

“Señor, ayuda a cada padre aquí a reflejar Tu corazón—lleno de amor, misericordia, fortaleza y verdad. Sana las heridas paternas, levanta padres espirituales, y bendice a cada hombre para que camine en Tu ejemplo. En el nombre de Jesús. Amén.”