PRODIGAL SON

 *03/05/2023*

*MID WEEK SERVICE*

THEME:

*UNNAMED PEOPLE IN THE BIBLE*

TOPIC:

*PRODIGAL SON*

Text:

Luke 15: 11-31

In the ancient world, this son most likely would have been in his teens and single. As the younger son he would have received half of what the elder son received (Deuteronomy 21:17), or a third of his father's estate.

The early Jews warned fathers against breaking up an estate too early. Here the father granted the request, illustrating how God permits each person to go his or her own way.

To waste his possession means "to scatter or disperse something". The term *prodigal* describes a debased, extravagant life (Proverbs 28:7).

Feeding swine was an insulting job for a Jewish person, since pigs were unclean according to the Law of Moses. The son afterwards confessed as a sinner. The son expected nothing and relied completely on the mercy of his father. So it is with the sinner who repents.

The description of the father's compassion in running to his son and kissing him illustrates the immediate acceptance of a sinner who turns to God. Despite his awareness of being accepted by his father, the son continued his confession of his sin. He then asked to become one of his father's servants. Similarly, a sinner realizes that he or she brings nothing to and deserves nothing from God, but must rely completely on God's mercy.

The father accepted his son's confession but refused his request to make him a servant. Instead the returning son was made a full member of the family again. The robe probably represented the best clothes the father had to offer. The ring may have borne the family seal, signifying the son's acceptance back into the family. *The son's confession of sin brought full restoration*

The older brother's unhappiness over a fatted calf (John 15:27) being killed to celebrate the return of his undisciplined brother illustrates the response of the Pharisees and Scribes at the prospect of sinners becoming acceptable to God.

The older son proclaimed his righteousness and argued that justice had not been done.

The father responded to his disgruntled older son by explaining that just because someone receives a blessing that does not mean there is no blessing for others. The father also implied that the older son always had the opportunity to celebrate with a fattened calf, since the animals were his.

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