Luke 15:11-32

• ·        The Parable of the Lost Son, 15:11-32.

The last of the three parable is the longest and dear to many people.  There is no shortage of prodigals that have prompted many to find encouragement and hope for their loved ones.  Without question many details of the parable are true in God’s willingness to receive the prodigal back who comes to Him.  We know this from the rest of Scripture.  So let us think about some of these things first.

ü The son, like the sheep earlier, was lost because of his own foolish choices.  That we did in asking for the money from his father was legal but not at all loving.  Since the money was the sons inheritance he was, in essence, saying to his father, “I wish you were dead.”

ü The son’s choices were grievously foolish and in little time he found himself in a horrible situation.  Assuming a Jewish context, to be caring for swine was like being at the bottom of the bottom in life.

ü God is at work in the situation.  People often have a plan for life that does not (cannot!) take into account what we refer to as an act of God (i.e. a natural catastrophe).  Part of God’s mercy to the sinner is to bring him to the end of his rope where he might finally turn to the Lord.  Thus the son repented (came to himself), returned (I will go to my father) and received (put himself in his father’s hands).  

Often this is the end of the story for people.  But not for Jesus.  What follows is not just a description of sibling rivalry.  Remember again 15:1-3: the Pharisees and scribes are complaining that Jesus receives sinners and eats with them.  These Jews would never do that.  They were sure their separation was what God wanted and was pleased with.  But Jesus is saying that, in fact, God was terribly displeased with this because God delighted in the repentance of the sinner.

Be sure you note the attitude and words of the older brother (v28-30).  This matches the leaders; they had no concept of rejoicing in the repentance of the sinner.  Perhaps it was because they couldn’t imagine that the sinner would ever repent.  Or, like the brother, perhaps they thought that people should rejoice in their supposed faithfulness to God.  We say supposed because Scripture teaches the depravity of all people, even those who come off as religious.

Be sure you note also the attitude and words of the father (v31-32).  This is exactly what Jesus thought; it is the heart of God.  And as we say that, it begs that we ask of ourselves about our attitude and actions.  It’s not so much what we say.  We may say we love sinners.  But the issue is what led to this whole situation.  Jesus’ love for the sinner had led them to draw near to Him to hear Him?  Have we built bridges to the sinners?  When the sinner comes to the end of his rope, and by God’s grace that will happen, are we the person they will come to for help in turning to the Lord (1 Peter 3:15)?