The Prodigal Son Part 1 Luke 15:11-24

Review 2 distinct groups in Jesus’ audience Tax collectors and sinners Pharisees Pharisees could not understand why Jesus received sinners and ate with them Jesus used two parables to speak of the value of the lost to God Even if 1 in 100 or 1 in 10 But, of course, there are more lost than that So now Jesus tells a parable that begins with the same point, but adds more points about those who feel they are righteous

Driving the point home Now a parable with only the father and two sons ½ of the sons are going to be lost More realistic assessment of how often people fail to obey The older son will be the Pharisees The younger son will be the sinners The father will be the Father of all

The Younger Son Lk 15:11-13 Application The younger asks for his share (1/3) Without legal right to it Father grants it Younger son leaves Application Many people want religion their own way (including no religion and atheism) No right to it, but God lets us go Some lessons have to be learned the hard way

The inheritance Lk 15:13 Application Takes the gifts of his Father with him Application What do those who sin take from God? Their life Their intellect Their emotions Their abilities

Life away from the Father Lk 15:13-14 Moves to a far country Wastes his inheritance Application Many who turn away to “try the waters” elsewhere end up far away Turns out they aren’t “free”, but waste their gifts on self and others for no real gain (Rom 6:16)

A famine in the land Lk 15:15-16 Application A famine and no resources left Hires himself to do menial labor Application Hardship, tragedy, stress, etc. The world can offer no comfort, no answers, no hope, etc. All one can do is sell self to self-delusions: money, fame, power, etc.

A change of heart Lk 15:17-19 Application Realized the futility of his position Resolved to go home (repentance) Resolved to confess sin and humble self Application Sinners need to realize their lost state Sinners need to resolve to return to God Sinners need to confess sins and humble self before God

Homecoming Lk 15:20 Application Resolve becomes action (he goes home) Father is still anxiously looking for him Application Sinners must come to God But God is, and has been, looking for them And God is anxious to see the sinner trying to come home

Celebration Lk 15:21-23 Application The son felt poor, miserable, guilty The father saw only a son in need Application Sinners will be weighed down in sin But God sees His child returned to Him

The cause for celebration Lk 15:24 He was dead and is alive again The sinner had lost his spiritual life and now has found it again He was lost and is found The Father had lost His child and now His child has been found

Conclusion Are you lost? Remember the Pharisees' question? (v2) Why did Jesus receive sinners? They were dead, and could now live again They were lost, and now they had been found Are you lost? Your Father is looking for your return Won't you come to Him now?