The Lost Son

THE PRODIGAL (LOST) SON

LUKE 15: 11-24

Introduction:                 Familiar, perhaps to the point that we think there is no more we can learn from it. But, Scripture is inex­haustible, and there are always lessons to be learned!

“Prodigal” means “wasteful,” and certainly this young man was wasteful. But in Luke 15, the theme is appar­ently “lost” and thus he can be known as the lost son!

The parable will be divided into two sections, Part I will consist of verses 11-16; Part II will consist of  verses 17-24.              The rest of the chapter (verses 25-32) will be con­sidered as a parable within itself, Lord willing, in a lesson to follow.

I.               The Downfall of the Son (The Road to the Far Country) (vv. 11-16)

A.        Desire for the “far country of sin.”

1.         Desire can be useful if properly channeled and checked.

2.         But, desire unbridled is the first step on the road to sin.

3.         James 1:13-15 - Here we have the progression of sin!

B.         Demand to his Father (vv. 11,12).

1.         “Give me the portion of good that falleth to me.”

2.         Notice, the father divided unto them (both sons) his living!

C.         He departed from his father (vv. 13).

1.         The “far country” was his destination.

2.         Note: “far country” can mean distance in miles, or distance in attitude.

Many children do not go very far from home, but leave the principles of their parents far behind.

D.        He practiced dissipation (v. 13b).

1.         “ ...and there wasted his substance with riotous living.”

2.         His riotous living (dissipation) is not specified, but the word can include such things as “drinking, gambling, indulgence in pleasure...to the point of harming oneself.” (Webster, p. 408).

E.         He suffered destitution (v. 14).

1.         “And when he had spent all...he began to be in want.”

2.         His condition of poverty was his own fault: he was not a victim of circumstance; he was simply a victim of his own foolish desire.

F.         His degradation (vv. 15,16).

1.         Feeding swine was the most humiliating task a Jewish boy could ever take upon himself to do.

2.         Worse: he was willing to eat what the hogs were eating!

  G.         Notice how the Savior depicts sin:

1.         Rebellious

2.         Haughty (proud)

3.         Wasteful

                             4.          The illustration of the “pig-pen” shows the depth of the fall!

a.         Even to us, there is nothing more filthy than a “pig-pen.”

b.         But, the person who is still in sin, or who has returned to sin, is in worse circumstances!

c.         People must leave the “pig-pen” of sin before true meaning to life can be found.

H.        What the son lost:

1.         Fellowship with his father.

2.         Friends (v.16); his was a lonely life!

3.         Substance

4.         Self-respect

II.             The Road Home (vv. 17-24)

                  A.         Reflection (17)

                              1.            The glamour had worn off!

                              2.            The realization and recognition of his state began to be clear to him.

                              3.            Too many people do not reflect upon life in sin.

                                 a.            Some are too busy, others are too wealthy, and still others are too indifferent to take time for reflection.

                                 b.            Some want to do just a little “re-decorating,” when a total renovation is needed!

                                 c.            Instead of moving out of the “pig-pen,” some try to “cover it up” with some new paneling, a fresh coat of paint, new carpeting, and a lot of air freshener!

                                 d.            But, friend, after all of that, it’s still a pig-pen!

B.         Resolve (18)

1.         This takes place in the “will.”

2.         “I will arise, and go to my father...”

3.         He reflected upon the situation, located the problem, and found the solution. He made a resolution!

C.         Return (20)

1.         This was the action taken upon the resolution.

2.         The resolution was a good one, but if he had not acted upon it, he would have remained in the pig-pen with good intentions!

D.        Resignation and repentance (21)

1.         “I have sinned” are three of the hardest words to say!

2.         He here demonstrated his resignation to the will of his father.

a.         He wasn’t looking for treatment as a son.

b.         He didn’t make a demand, or offer a deal!

c.         He placed himself at his father’s mercy.

3.         He did not just pay lip service to repentance, he showed it!

E.         Rejoicing (22-24)

1.         This part of the parable has a happy ending!

2.         The boy who was “lost” is now “found.”

3.         He who was “dead” is alive again.

Conclusion:                 This can be your success story! Every man and woman, every accountable boy and girl, outside of Jesus Christ, is lost, dead, in a “far country,” removed from the fellowship of the Father. In short, you are in life’s pig-pen, and Satan is the land-lord. Arise, come to the Father’s abode, where abundant blessings await!