Luke 15:11-32
Introduction:
1. In Luke 15, Jesus confronted the scribes and Pharisees who continually complained about Jesus’ ministering to tax collectors and sinners (15:1-2).
2. In this parable, He contrasted their hard-heartedness with the compassion of God.
Discussion:
I. A Prideful Exodus (15:11-13)
A. The arrogance and callousness of the younger son cannot be overstated.
B. In every step he selfishly dishonored his father and his family.
1. First, “give me…” is in the imperative mood; he was commanding his father.
2. Second, the inheritance was given after a father’s death, so he essentially said he wished his father was dead, or he was dead to him already.
3. Third, he forsook his family to go live it up, selling of the family inheritance.
II. A Humble Return (15:14-20)
A. His riotous living soon left him helpless, but he found no one to care for him.
B. When he came to himself, he longed for the safety of home.
C. This once arrogant son would now beg his father for a place with his servants.
III. An Unexpectedly Warm Welcome (15:20-32)
A. The father’s response would shock Jesus’ listeners as much as the son’s behavior.
B. Such brazen rebellion against a father invited severe punishment (Deuteronomy 21:18-21).
C. Much to his surprise, the father displayed overwhelming compassion:
1. Rather than giving him a scathing rebuke, his father hugged and kissed him.
2. Rather than servants’ garments, he received the finest robe and the signet ring.
3. Rather than servants’ rations, he was welcomed with a great banquet.
D. The father running (a shameful and degrading practice in ancient Jewish culture) to meet him shows God’s eagerness to bring His prodigals home (2 Samuel 14:14).
E. The older brother’s hard-heartedness contrasts this with the scribes and Pharisees.
Conclusion:
1. The prodigal knew a servant’s rank was a big ask, yet his father renewed him fully.
2. Such is God’s nature, a nature we must give thanks for and embrace in ourselves.
3. The sacrifices of God are still a broken and contrite heart (Psalms 51:17).
Further Food for Thought
1. Do you relate more to the prodigal or the older brother?
2. Put another way, which is a greater struggle for you: humbly seeking reconciliation for your own errors or welcoming the erring back into the Father’s household?