The Prodigal Son

This is probably the most famous parable of them all -- but with familiarity often comes common misunderstandings. This exposition attempts to get to the essence of Christ's teaching.

The parable of the Lost Sheep
The parable of the Lost Coin
We come now to the parable of the Lost Son.
LOST – SEEKING – FINDING – REJOICING.

Christ is not giving this parable as a theological statement of the atonement
or justification or a teaching that you can lose your salvation.

Three Main Characters:
The Father – who represents GOD
The Elder Brother – who we find out exists in v. 11 but meet in v. 25
The religious leaders of Christ's day. Their jealousy seeing Jesus receive sinners.

The Jews of the first century – who showed jealousy as the Gentiles came to God
by faith – without having to become Jews first.

The Prodigal
Prodigal = wasteful, reckless, wicked, uncontrolled, self-indulgent, debauched, immoral

I. Give Me My Inheritance 11-12

II. The Prodigal Leaves Home 13a

III. The Prodigal Loses All 13b-16

IV. The Prodigal “Comes to his Senses” 17-19

V. The Prodigal Returns Home 20

VI. The Prodigal Warmly Received 21-24
1. THE ROBE – shows he was a welcomed and honored member of the family.
2. A RING – shows his authority as a son.
3. SANDALS – slaves went barefoot.
4. THE FATTED CALF – a sign of rejoicing.

VII. The Elder Brother's Offense 25-30

VIII. The Father's Explanation and Appeal 28a, 31-32