Prodigal God (Luke 15:11–32)

Introduction: the Parables of Jesus

A parable is “a fictitious saying picturing truth” or “stories with intent”.

Klyne Snodgrass, Stories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus, Second Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018), 8.

Interpreting the Parables 1.3 Newest Developments

the parables are neither simple stories drawn from everyday life meant to illustrate one particular religious truth nor allegories in which numerous details stand for distinct spiritual counterparts.

Jesus often spoke in parables as was prophesied.

Matthew 13:34–35 ESV

34 All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. 35 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.”

Jesus’ speaking in parables was partially to keep spiritual realities hidden from the some of the Jews.

English Standard Version Chapter 8

9 And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant,

10 he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’

Most of the parables “make exactly three main points”

Craig Blomberg, Interpreting the Parables (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1990), 21.

To understand the parable fully, one must understand the first two verses of the chapter and possibly the two preceding parables of the “lost sheep” and the “lost coin”.

Luke 15:1–2 ESV

1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

II. The man with two sons

Luke 15:11 ESV

11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons.

III. The younger son’s request

Luke 15:12 ESV

12 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.

In the ancient world, disrespect of parents was condemned, even imprisonable. In Israel, rebellious sons were to be stoned (Deut 21:18-21)

IV. The Father’s response

Luke 15:12 ESV

12 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.

The Father’s response was against norms and the teachings of a Jewish society.

Sirach 33:20–23 NRSV

20 To son or wife, to brother or friend, do not give power over yourself, as long as you live; and do not give your property to another, in case you change your mind and must ask for it. 21 While you are still alive and have breath in you, do not let anyone take your place. 22 For it is better that your children should ask from you than that you should look to the hand of your children. 23 Excel in all that you do; bring no stain upon your honor.

V. The younger son’s journey

Luke 15:13–16 ESV

13 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. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

VI. The Younger sons repentance

Luke 15:17–20a ESV

17 “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! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” ’ 20 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.

VII. The Father’s reception of his wayward son

Luke 15:20b–24 ESV

20 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. 21 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.’ 22 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. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

VIII. The response of the older son

Luke 15:25–30 ESV

25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 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.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 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. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’

IX. The response of the father to the older son

Luke 15:31–32 ESV

31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ ”

3 Points of the Parable – God is prodigal!

Prodigal – 1 spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant: prodigal habits die hard. 2 having or giving something on a lavish scale: the dessert was crunchy with brown sugar and prodigal with whipped cream.

1. God lavishes His salvation on perishing sinners, no matter how wicked they are, when they repent.

2. God goes to great lengths to offer reconciliation and lavishes forgiveness of sins on those willing to accept it.

3. God wants His people to lavish joy on and not begrudge those to whom He extends His grace–even those who we think are most underserving!

Interpreting the Parables Section 6.1: The Prodigal Son (Lk 15:11–32)

Gary Burge describes the astonishing uproar among Christians in Wheaton, Illinois, home to so many evangelical churches and ministries, when Prison Fellowship first wanted to purchase a home there, “staff it professionally, and house a number of Christian ex-offenders. These were men who had served their time in prison, committed their lives to Christ, passed screening tests, and now wanted to live among us.” Burge continues, “To put this story in first-century terms,” the reaction was equivalent to declaring, “these were the unrighteous and they had no place here”!

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