Luke 15:11-32
Q.1. How badly did it go for the prodigal son, after he left his father? What brought him back? What does this say to you? – (Lk.15:11-18)
The younger son asked for and was given his share of his father’s estate. He could hardly wait to get away to – a distant country (Lk.15:13). He wanted the freedom to live as he pleased and satisfy his lusts – he spent everything … with loose living’ (Lk.15:14 & 13). He had plenty of friends while his money lasted. Then a severe famine came. He fell so low that he had to resort to filling his stomach with food only fit for pigs (an unclean animal for Jews). His lowest point proved to be his best, for it was then that his thoughts turned to his father. In this forlorn state – he came to his senses, and said, How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! (Lk.15:17). He saw the utter stupidity of maintaining his separation from his father. In brokenness he concluded – I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight (Lk.15:18). The best place for us is always in our Heavenly Father’s presence.
Q.2. How was he received by his father, after wasting his fortune? What was behind the father’s reception? What does this say about God? – (Lk.15:19-24)
We have an amazing Heavenly Father. He does not abandon us when we leave Him and suffer loss – But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him (Lk.15:20). The son tried to recite his well-rehearsed words of penitence. However, the father knew what his return meant, and – 22 … said to his slaves,Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; 23 and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found’ (Lk.15:22-24). All that matters to God, is that we have chosen to be part of His family again. His love is so much greater than our hearts can conceive (Jn.3:16).
Q.3. How did the father respond to the angry older brother? Who is the older brother like? – (Lk.15:1-3, 25-32)
The father had divided his wealth between his two sons (Lk.15:12). The older son had lost nothing by his brother’s returning. He should have shared in the joy that this event brought. The father had been much more concerned about a lost son, than a lost fortune. The older brother could only think of himself – … and said to his father, `Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends (Lk.15:29). He was angry and unresponsive to the pleading of his father to join the celebrations. This summed up the attitude of the Scribes and Pharisees, in their response to the outcasts of the nation who were coming to Jesus (Lk.15:1-2). Jesus is the Head of the church and the Owner and Heir of all things. We must play our part in seeking the conversion of sinners from a life of sin, as Jesus did.