Don’t Push Them Away

Some people didn’t walk away from God — they were pushed.

Jesus had some of His strongest words for those who drive others away from hope.

In this sermon, Go After the Prodigal, we explore the heart of God toward the broken, the lost, and the wandering. Jesus did not wait for prodigals to clean themselves up — He went after them. From Luke 15 to the restoration of David, Scripture shows us a consistent truth: God pursues, restores, and calls people back, not away.

This message challenges believers, church leaders, and anyone who follows Christ to ask a hard but necessary question:

Are we pulling people closer to Jesus — or becoming the reason they drift away?

We look closely at:

• Jesus calling back prodigals like Matthew, Zacchaeus, Peter, and the woman at the well

• God restoring David after moral failure instead of discarding him

• Why despair is a dangerous place for judgment, but fertile ground for grace

• Jesus’ warning about pushing others away from faith

• What it truly means to reflect the heart of Christ in a broken world

This sermon is for:

• Anyone who has experienced church hurt

• Anyone who feels far from God and wonders if they can come home

• Pastors, leaders, coaches, and mentors who influence others

• Believers who want to love with truth and compassion

📖 Scriptures Referenced:

Luke 15

Matthew 18

Matthew 9

Luke 19

John 4

John 21

Psalm 51

2 Samuel 12

Romans 8

Galatians 6

If this message speaks to you, consider sharing it with someone who may be struggling. You might be the person God uses to help them come home.

Heaven still rejoices over one who returns.