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Luke 15:11-32
A certain man had two sons and the younger of them said to his father, " Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me". And he divided unto them his living.

Not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with wasteful living. When he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

He went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. He would have willingly filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. When he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father.

But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son". But the father said to his servants, "Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found".

And they began to be merry. Now his older son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, "Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound". And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father," Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf". And he said unto him, "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found".

Your father will also accept you back with the same love!
It's not us, remember, it's Jesus, that way there is no boasting!

[jjf1990]

Chrysoprasus Posted: Saturday, July 27 2002 5:41 pm
Post subject: This is such a neat parable
User Location: USA

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This is such a neat parable, and probably the most easily understood. prod·i·gal adj. Rashly or wastefully extravagant: prodigal expenditures on unneeded weaponry; a prodigal life. Giving or given in abundance; lavish or profuse: prodigal praise. n. One who is given to wasteful luxury or extravagance.

This son knew the comfort and security He would have if he would abide with his father, but the thought of his own money and freedom was alluring. He asked for what he thought he deserved, and the Father let him have it. Instead of the glamorous life he thought he would have, after the initial fun he ended up having to work with pigs just to barely survive. To a Jew, this was the ultimate disgrace, for pigs are considered the uncleanest of animals. But then look at what happens when he returns to his father, humbled, no longer feeling he had the right to be given anything, and with the intent of working for him. He is not driven away because of his previous actions and behavior....the father knew and was so overjoyed at his return he didn't even wait for his son to get all the way back...he ran out and met him! Not only did he meet him with joy, he gave him the best of what he had. The best clothes, the best food, and celebrated his return. Our Father is always there for us. He will not deny us if we come to Him, and He will not shame us for our past actions when we do. Like in the story, He knows we're coming, and is prepared and isn't thinking of our past, just rejoicing for our future. Chrys _________________ Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth.




Lucius Posted: Thursday, September 12 2002 11:27 pm
Post subject: The non prodigal son
User Location: L.A.

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Just a Question:

Is there a case that can be made for the elder brother who stayed home?

Not a lot of sermons on him.

Thanks.


George Posted: Monday, September 30 2002 8:44 pm
Post subject: Prodigal Church
User Location: Viginia

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Verse 12 - He divided unto them... I believe to be a type of the church and Israel. The older brother still under law, yet a son. The younger a type of the apostate church, leaving the spiritual and leaning on the arm of the flesh. We have programs for everything. If God were to die Saturday night 85% of churches would open their doors Sunday morning and never miss a beat. The church for the most part is blind and wretched like the Laodacians and yet the Lord is ever knocking at the door of His own church pleading for entrance. The Father let the son leave. Unlike most of what goes on today, begging people to stay in church, visitation, special concerts, and just about anything you can think of; joined to a citizen of that far country. Teaching lost people how to be religious. But Hallalujah, conviction does come and the church will come to herself and rise up and come out from among them and be ye seperate. The younger repents, returns home and the Father runs to meet him. Galatians 2:20 - Maranatha


Jim Posted: Sunday, October 6 2002 9:32 pm
Post subject: The name of the prodigal son?
User Location: New Jersey

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I was asked by a friend if I knew the name of the prodigal son. I'd never heard him referred to in any way except as "the younger son". Does anyone know of research that attaches a name to either the younger or older son?

Thanks!


Cornell de Korte Posted: Monday, October 14 2002 11:46 am
Post subject: Coming Home
User Location: Cape Town, South Africa

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Although Jesus says through this parable that God will restore you to what you`ve been before you left, and I take by that he also means that the Holy Spirit will come and live in us once again. The Apostle Paul says that once we let go of the Spirit that gives life (i.e the Holy Spirit) it would be impossible to get it back. Would you please clear this out for me `cause I tend to find this confusing. Thanx


Marty Lineberry Posted: Wednesday, November 6 2002 10:25 pm
Post subject: The Prodigal Son never HATED his father!
User Location: Tobaccoville NC ,USA

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You need to remember the Prodigal Son never HATED his Father!
The people Paul was refering to HATED God in their hearts after receiving the Holy Spirit. Once you do that then basically the Holy Spirit will leave you and that person cannot be brought back unto repentance! It also crosses the line into the unpardonable sin. This person before he reaches this state should be turned over to satan for the destruction of the flesh that he might be saved during the day of Judgement otherwise he will burst the gates Hell wide open!
See the parable of sower for a reference
WEB LINK


But the Holy Spirit remained with the Prodigal Son and protected him from himself. Remember these points! The Holy Spirit kept him from crossing the line on numerous occasions and brought him safely back home after the lesson was learned! He always loved his Father! The Greatest Commandment Jesus Christ gave us!

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.


jeff clay Posted: Thursday, November 7 2002 2:43 pm
Post subject: Grace
User Location: indiana

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The prodigal son is an awesome parable. It is a great way God showes us his grace. Think about it. The youngest son wants all his inheritance and he leaves the house. The father does not get mad at him or anything he just is concerned for him and wants him to come back home. So the youngest son is out hanging with prostitutes, drinking, gambling, doing all the things that he shouldnt do. Then he ran out of money and he had to start working and staying with the pigs. He was so embarrased to come back home but he did and when his father saw his youngest son instead of being upset at him he ran to him and put his arms around him and showed him how much he loved him. We do the same thing as the youngest sons. We go out into the world and take God for granted and have sex, drink, do all the things we shouldnt do. Then we are to embarrased to admit to it and we loose out on salvation. Well there is no need to be embarrased God is wating for us to come back home and when he see you he is not going to punish you he is going to put his arms around you and take you back in.


John Posted: Saturday, November 16 2002 10:20 am
Post subject: The brother of the Prodigal Son
User Location: Illinois

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To Lucius,

The Holy Spirit has caused me to consider the brother who stayed home with the Father. For years I thought the brother's indignation was justified. Jesus was speaking to the Pharasees when teaching this parable. So I must consider am I like the Pharasees? If I take the side of the brother who stayed home then I do not have a tender heart for the lost. Jesus commands us to love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves. If the brother cannot even love his brother and celebrate his return how can he love his neighbor.


scott davis, sr Posted: Saturday, November 16 2002 3:23 pm
Post subject: prodigal
User Location: ohio

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Not much is said about what the prodigal son LOST in the process of riotous living. He was restored to his father but the son who was faithful retained more than what the prodigal did. Remember, sin always take sus farther than we planned on going, it keeps us longer than we planned on staying, and it costs us more that we planned on paying.

The scars of our indulgent living sometimes remain, ( ie: consequences of the sin such as pregnancies, jail, diseases, health issues, etc.) but God is the ever loving and faithful forgiving Father who restores us and helps us deal with the consequences.....Praise God for His awesome love!


Beth Posted: Wednesday, November 27 2002 2:35 am
Post subject: 2 points
User Location: Ohio

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On the topic of the younger son hating his father. It is not said that he hates his father, and I don't believe that he does... but in asking for his inheritance... it is like wishing his father were dead. That had to hurt the father. Yet the father took him back unconditionally.

As for the older son, that has also been on my heart a lot. You see my sister ran away from home. When she returned I was glad and celebrated, but at the same time it was frustrating. Where was my reward for being the good daughter?? The father's response to the older's sons complaints is, "Everything I have is yours". God gives us everything! He gave us His Son and eternal life. At the same time, the father's plea to the older son to join in the celebration, is how God us to celebrate when others grow in relationship with him.


bob Posted: Monday, December 2 2002 4:31 pm
Post subject: Questions about the parable
User Location: cornwall

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1. why is this parable only recorded by luke?
2. Why is there no mother in the story?
3. Could this parable refer to the story of Jacob in Genesis? There seem to be many parallels.
4. Many of us do what the prodigal son did--leave home and misuse our inheritance. I know of many cases. But was the son completely restored to his former priveledged position after he came home, or was he treated as a guest?
5. It seems unfair that the older son was never given a party--but God is a God of justice--there seems to be a contradiction between the justice of God and the mercy of God.


johnny groda Posted: Tuesday, December 3 2002 7:21 pm
Post subject: The Two Prodigal Sons
User Location: Tacoma WA

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Understanding the Prodigal Son parable requires understanding why Jesus told the parable in the first place. He was speaking to a very mixed crowd. In Luke 15:1-2 there are at least 4 groups, sinners, tax collectors, Scribes and Pharisees. Jesus tells this series of three parables to drive home a simple point: God loves the lost and His heart's desire is to find all those separated from Him. Each parable gives a little different spin on His point.
In the third parable, Jesus gives two parts to the parable. In the first part, the younger son is the object of the parable. In the second half, the elder brother is the focus. Each of these parts speaks to the two classes of people to which Jesus was speaking i.e. the sinners and the Pharisees. The first would speak to those who had been separated from God (were prodigal in their relationship with God). The second half would be directed toward the Pharisees and Scribes (those who hadn't departed from God physically).
As I study this parable, it becomes apparent to me that neither son understood the father. The younger son thought that doing righteous things makes you worthy of the father's love. Wrong!
The older brother thought the same thing. Instead, the father was not focusing upon the behaviors of either son. He wanted to have a relationship of love with both brothers. He demonstrates this when he doesn't listen to the smooth lines the younger brother has rehearsed. He also says it to the older brother when he says, " Child, (a different term in the Greek than the word for son, "hwion") you are always with me, and all my things are yours. But it was necessary to kill the fatted calf and celebrate because your brother was dead and is now alive, he was lost and now he is found.
The father's heart desired whole relationships with both his sons. Neither understood. Could it be that in our attempt to be worthy of God's love, we miss what God is really trying to say to us: that we have a priceless value to Him, clearly demonstrated upon the cross.


joshh Posted: Monday, December 9 2002 5:12 pm
Post subject: The Two Sons
User Location: Seattle

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I have found the role of the older brother in this story quite fascinating as well. Of the three parables told to the same groups at the same time this one alone addresses the issue at hand, in that he speaks directly to the pharisees and scribes about their attitude toward the "sinners" Jesus is investing time in.

I have to believe that this is significant in the understanding of the story. The proud, selfish desires of those who remain in the faith can overshadow the true and significant finding of the lost. I dont know how many times I have encountered people who say they desire to see the lost saved, but then when the lost come the house of worship the very same people who cried out for their souls wish the lost would have chosen another place to seek out God. We are all lost without Christ, for crying out loud!!!

Many times it does not makes sense to us how in our faithfulness we find the same grace as the one who has wondered off and then returned. It seems only fair to us that they should recieve a lesser gift or a smaller portion of grace. We only need to look as far as the closest mirror to find the one has "earned" less grace. That is the wonder of the gospel.

His grace is indeed sufficient for each one of us. Those who remain 'faithful' and those who do not.


Sonny Posted: Thursday, December 12 2002 2:26 pm
Post subject: The FATHER not the Prodigal Son
User Location: TN

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I appreciate the input of all who have commented and pray that God's Holy Spirit will reveal the truth of HIS word on this and other subjects. Most of us have for too long a time focused on the sons; he you stayed and he who departed and returned. I think the reason we do is that we can more easily identify with both of the sons, but I would ask you to consider trying to identify with the father. I think the parable is more about the father than either of the two sons. Demonstrating how our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally and how we too should love one another. All who have studied this parable have had many questions regarding what ever happened to the elder son and I have concluded that God may have purposefully allowed this scripture to end in the manner in which it does. Thus leaving the 'rest of the story' to be written by each of us individually. Most of us have worn the shoes of both sons regardless of gender and some have even had the privelege of walking also in the fathers shoes. Each time I visit this great passage I am challenged again and again to be more like the father, but too often discover I am again more like the sons. Each time my own children are disobedient to their parent's will (and God's), I am reminded how frequently I too am disobedient to my Heavenly Father's will and Oh how it must break His heart. I cannot imagine the pain and anguish I have caused Him and praise Him for being slow to anger and pray that He teaches me to also love unconditionally. The pain that we parents suffer when our children are out of fellowship with us and with God is heart breaking, yet I am again reminded that the pain I feel because of my love and concern for my children are ever so slight in comparrison to the love God has for all His children. May all of us allow God's Holy Spirit to teach us the truths we are prepared to receive as we continually grow in His grace. In HIS Service, Galatians 2:20


Darlene Moten Posted: Friday, December 13 2002 1:34 pm
Post subject: The Ring
User Location: Tucson, AZ

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What significance did the ring have? Why did his father put a ring on his finger? How does that relate to the church?


Sonny Posted: Friday, December 13 2002 9:36 pm
Post subject: The ring
User Location: TN

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The ring signified his acceptance and authority back into the family



peter redman Posted: Saturday, December 28 2002 9:34 am
Post subject: seeking greater understanding of christs message
User Location: fairfield maine

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Being a son that stayed home I am cursed by the brother who came home.
The relationship between my father and I has been cursed by the returning son with the promise of 3 things.
1) To take all of the possessions of our parents for only himself
2) To ruin the relationship between our father and I.
3) To do everything possible to ruin the business that our father sold to me and my other brother.
By reading some of the comments of others, I see that the father wants a whole relationship with all his sons. This relationship is not whole with the two sons that stayed home.
However the boistrous demands, the negative statements and the guilt that he has placed on all of us is a tremendous burden to carry for the rest of our lives.
I am seeking words of wisdom to find peace in our lives.
Please respond with insights.
peter



Jack Tidwell Posted: Monday, December 30 2002 6:25 am
Post subject: The Third Guy
User Location: Columbus Georgia

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There was a lot of talk about the "bad" wayward brother and the "good" brother who stayed home and minded and got hacked when bad boy came home apologetically and resumed his place. Well, what about those other guys in the field who just do their job for pennies taking care of slopping the hogs or whatever. Aren't they human beings also, don't they have souls, aren't they capable of attaining status. In Judaism your mother has to be a Jew or you will not be allowed at the table at all. Speaking as a low waged hog slopper, I suppose my reward awaits me in heaven, right?

http://www.web-ministry.com/religious/parables/prodigalson/
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And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. KJV John 1:1-5


The Truth of who Jesus Christ is can set you free!
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