THE LOST SONS THE PRODIGAL FATHER Luke 15

THE LOST SONS & THE PRODIGAL FATHER Luke 15. 11 -32

Setting the Scene ■ Prodigal: – “spending money or using resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant. ” – “having or giving something on a lavish scale”. ■ 3 characters – not simply a story about one lost son. ■ Jesus is talking to two groups of people: – tax collectors & sinners – Pharisees

Act 1 – The Younger Son Insult Shame Response Affirmatio n Celebratio n

Act 1 – The Younger Son Insult Shame Response Affirmatio n Celebratio n Asking for inheritance Not showing respect

Act 1 – The Younger Son Insult Asking for inheritance Not showing respect Shame Status diminished Community can see Response Affirmatio n Celebratio n

Act 1 – The Younger Son Insult Asking for inheritance Not showing respect Shame Status diminished Community can see Response Swallows the shame and the insults. Gives his son his share of the inheritance Affirmatio n Celebratio n

Act 1 – The Younger Son Insult Asking for inheritance Not showing respect Shame Status diminished Community can see Response Swallows the shame and the insults. Gives his son his share of the inheritance Affirmatio n Celebratio n Running to meet him (further shame!) Restored to sonship (no debt owed, robe, sandal, ring)

Act 1 – The Younger Son Insult Asking for inheritance Not showing respect Shame Status diminished Community can see Response Swallows the shame and the insults. Gives his son his share of the inheritance Affirmatio n Celebratio n Running to meet him (further shame!) Restored to sonship (no debt owed, robe, sandal, ring) Lavish feast; fattened calf, music and dancing.

Act 2 – The Elder Son Insult Shame Response Affirmatio n Celebratio n

Act 2 – The Elder Son Insult Shame Response Affirmatio n Celebratio n Refuses to come in when called ”I’ve been treated as a slave”

Act 2 – The Elder Son Insult Refuses to come in when called ”I’ve been treated as a slave” Shame Goes out to find his son and bring him in Community can see yet another insolent son! Response Affirmatio n Celebratio n

Act 2 – The Elder Son Insult Refuses to come in when called ”I’ve been treated as a slave” Shame Goes out to find his son and bring him in Community can see yet another insolent son! Response Father swallows the shame and the insult (again) Affirmatio n Celebratio n

Act 2 – The Elder Son Insult Refuses to come in when called ”I’ve been treated as a slave” Shame Goes out to find his son and bring him in Community can see yet another insolent son! Response Father swallows the shame and the insult (again) Affirmatio n “My Son” Invitation extended

Act 2 – The Elder Son Insult Refuses to come in when called ”I’ve been treated as a slave” Shame Goes out to find his son and bring him in Community can see yet another insolent son! Response Father swallows the shame and the insult (again) Affirmatio n Celebratio n “My Son” Invitation extended ? ?

Two Types of People Tax collectors & sinners -> Younger Sons ■ Younger sons reject the Father by going their own way – Salvation is obtained by being free and enjoying life. – No interest in relationship with the Father, just want his blessings. – Ultimately reconciled, find salvation in right relationship with the Father – enjoy him and his blessings

Two Types of People Pharisees -> Older Sons ■ Reject the Father by keeping his commandments perfectly as a means to blessing. – Salvation is obtained through moral perfection. – No interest in relationship with the Father, just want his blessings. – A more dangerous position – believing that our obedience places God in our debt.

4 th Character: The True Older Brother ■ In right relationship with his Father – highest pleasure is pleasing him. ■ Leaves to seek out his lost brother to bring him back into relationship with the Father ■ Happily pays the cost of his brother being brought back into the family. ■ Is present and honoured at the feast.