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Today’s Parable: The Prodigal Son

Luke 15:1–2 ESV

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

In response to this criticism, Jesus tells three parables. The first two, “the lost sheep” and “the lost coin,” deal with things that are lost through no fault of their own, but simply by happenstance. The third parable, “the lost son,” goes to a deeper level: what about those who caused themselves to be lost? To the Pharisees and scribes, Jesus was encouraging ungodly behavior under the guise of teaching the will of God moe accurately than they were teaching.

What’s a Parable?

Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew Words Defined and Explained Parable

Do you know that over one-third of Jesus’ recorded sayings are parables? He was the master of the parable. But what are parables? Some have said that a “parable” is a heavenly story with an earthly meaning. Others have said “parables” are comparisons or illustrations of what Jesus wanted to say. The latter is closer to the truth. Not being able to tell us exactly what the kingdom is, He used “parables” to tell us what it is like.

Matthew 13:10–13 ESV

Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels Chapter 21: Introduction to the Parables

VERY EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH outsiders saw Christians drawing their faith from parables. One of these witnesses was Galen, the most famous medical doctor of the second century. He was also the first pagan to say positive things about Christians. Around A.D. 140 he wrote:

Most people are unable to follow a demonstrative argument consecutively; hence they need parables, and benefit from them … just as now we see the people called Christians drawing their faith from parables [and miracles] and yet sometimes acting in the same way [as those who philosophize] … and in their keen pursuit of justice, have attained a pitch not inferior to that of genuine philosophers.

Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew Words Defined and Explained Parable

In short, Jesus’ parables focus on God and His kingdom. They reveal what kind of God He is, by what principles He works, and what He expects of humanity. Those who have ears to hear do hear what He is saying—those who aren’t given ears, don’t understand God’s message.

Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels Chapter 21: Introduction to the Parables

Most people are unable to follow a demonstrative argument consecutively; hence they need parables, and benefit from them … just as now we see the people called Christians drawing their faith from parables [and miracles] and yet sometimes acting in the same way [as those who philosophize] … and in their keen pursuit of justice, have attained a pitch not inferior to that of genuine philosophers.

Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels Chapter 21: Introduction to the Parables

VERY EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH outsiders saw Christians drawing their faith from parables. One of these witnesses was Galen, the most famous medical doctor of the second century. He was also the first pagan to say positive things about Christians. Around A.D. 140 he wrote:

Most people are unable to follow a demonstrative argument consecutively; hence they need parables, and benefit from them … just as now we see the people called Christians drawing their faith from parables [and miracles] and yet sometimes acting in the same way [as those who philosophize] … and in their keen pursuit of justice, have attained a pitch not inferior to that of genuine philosophers.

Luke 15:11–32 ESV

And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” ’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ ”

Where was Jesus in these parables?

Where were the sinners and tax collectors?

Where were the Pharisees and Scribes?

Where are you?

Where is your church?