MODERN PARABLES PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SONS Luke

MODERN PARABLES

PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SONS (Luke 15: 11 -32) » “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that is coming to me…’”

INTRODUCTION » A mixed audience (Lk. 15: 1 -2) § Tax collectors and sinners § Pharisees and teachers of the law » Third in a series of stories about lost things § Lost sheep, lost coin, lost son » How many sons were lost? § Younger son -- lost in self-indulgence § Older son -- lost in self-righteousness

AN OUTRAGEOUS REQUEST » “Father, give me the share of the property that is coming to me. ” § In other words, “I wish you were dead. ” » How will the father respond? § A natural response: “Forget about it!” § The actual response: “OK”

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THESE TWO SONS? » Younger son § Seeks his own pleasure § Loves what he can get from his father more than he loves his father himself § Doesn’t care that his actions hurt the family » Older son § § Dedicated to hard work and performance Fails to pursue his lost brother -- why? Gets his share of the inheritance as well How strong is his relationship with his father?

LOST SON #1 » Sells his land livestock for cash » Travels to a distant country » Wastes his money on “reckless living” § Immoral and sinful? § Or just wasteful? » Older brother says sinful… § But how would he know?

ROCK BOTTOM » Younger son spends all his inheritance § No money, no meals » Will work for food » From 5 -star restaurants to pig slop » Lost and alone

A DESPERATE DECISION » “But when he came to himself…” » Hunger will make you humble! § I’m going to starve if I stay here § If I go back and work for my father, I will have plenty to eat » The younger brother’s choice: § Go home and face the consequences § Does he really repent?