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LOST AND FOUND!
PARABLE OF THE LOST SON(S!) (LUKE 15:11-32) BIBLE STUDY
DANNY SCOTTON JR. | ALPHA BAPTIST CHURCH | 8.7.19
AMAZING GRACE
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch; like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
EVER LOSEYOUR KEYS?
If we rejoice
when finding our
keys, how much
more do we think
our Heavenly
Father rejoices
when one of His
lost children is
found?
AMAZING GRACE OR
AMAZING GULLIBILITY?
• 11 Jesus continued:“There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his
father,‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
• 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant
country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything,
there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he
went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed
pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one
gave him anything.
• 17 “When he came to his senses, he said,‘How many of my father’s hired servants have
food to spare, and here I am starving to death! (Lk 15:11-17, NIV)
ENTITLED CHILDREN
• When I was younger I felt entitled to a car…I deserved it!
ENTITLED CHILDREN: BUT I…
• Do you have any car money?
• But I do all my work in school
• But I don’t get into any trouble
• But I go to church every week
• Parents:And? That’s what your
supposed to do!
• You don’t earn a car by
following the rules
ENTITLED SON
• Then [Jesus] said, "A man had two sons."The younger [son] said to his father, "Father, give me the share of the estate that I have
coming to me” (Lk 15:11-12a,AT).
• Under Jewish law, the firstborn would receive twice as much of the inheritance as the other children  Older son: 2/3;
younger son 1/3 (Dt. 21:17; Num 27:8-11). (Morris, 257-258; Green, 580;Trites; 219; Evans, 236; Bock BECNT, 1309;
Garland, 624; Plummer, 372; Bovon, 425; Jeiling, 546; Chen, 216
• Children usually took possession of their inheritance when the father died (Stein, 405)
• 20To son or wife, to brother or friend, | do not give power over yourself, as long as you live; | and do not give your
property to another, | in case you change your mind and must ask for it. | 21 While you are still alive and have breath in
you, | do not let anyone take your place. | 22 For it is better that your children should ask from you | than that you
should look to the hand of your children. | 23 Excel in all that you do; | bring no stain upon your honor. | 24 At the time
when you end the days of your life, | in the hour of death, distribute your inheritance. (Sir 3:20-24, NRSV; Stein,
405; Strauss, 447)
• Essentially saying:“Dad, I wish you were already dead” (Keener IVP,Trites, 219; Garland, 624; Strauss, 447)
THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT?
• In that culture they stressed obeying and honoring one’s parents (Keener IVP cf. Ex 20:12)
• The son was publicly disowning his family (Edwards, 458) and rejecting his own flesh and blood
(Green, 580)
• “Not only has he declared total independence from his father, he has also abandoned his
responsibility to care for him in his old age (Exod 20:12; Deut 5:16)” (Chen, 216).
• This offense was virtually unforgiveable (Edwards, 458)
• Sons who violated the Fifth Commandment could have be beaten or worse (i.e., they could be
stoned to death (Dt 21:18-21; Keener, Lk 15:11-12; Bock BECNT, 1319; Garland, 628; Strauss, 448)
AMAZING GULLIBILITY?
• So, the man divided his life's assets between them (Lk 15:12,AT).
• Life’s assets is actually the Greek word for “life” (βίος | bios)(Bock BECNT,
1309; BDAG, 177; Bovon, 425)
• He gives the share to his son who may have been as young as 17 (Marshall
NIGTC, 607; Keener IVP; Bock BECT, 1309)
• “God allows sin’s punishment to work itself out in the lives of those who
willfully desert him and try to go it alone.” (Garland, 620 cf. Bock BECNT, 1310)
• God’s wrath is often like removing guardrails
• What was the father thinking? Doesn’t seem to make much sense…
NO SENSETO NO CENTS
• The young son acts like he got no sense… and ends up with no cents
• Then, not many days afterwards, he gathered everything together and the younger son journeyed into a distant
country and there he squandered his estate by living recklessly (Lk 15:13,AT).
• The term translated “gathered together” (συνάγω | synagō) may imply that he liquidated all of his assets
into cash (Marshall NBC, 1005; Evans, 232; Bock BECNT, 1310; Evans 236; Garland, 624; Bovon, 425; Reiling,
546; Strauss, 447)
• Living recklessly  spending spree (Morris, 258; Stein, 405)
• Distant country = Gentile country (Green, 580; Strauss, 447) away from his father (Edwards, 439) and
strict Jewish laws (Trites, 220)
• Money, independence, no one to tell him what he could or could not do = young American dream?
• AllThat Glitters Ain’t Gold
NO SENSETO NO CENTS: FAMINE
• In 21st Century, cursed rain ruins our plans; In the 1st century,
people would pray for rain
• Droughts and famines were catastrophic to ancient economies;
they were seen as divine punishments
• After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that land,
and he began to be in need (Lk 15:14,AT)
• Like a severe recession
NO SENSETO NO CENTS:
EAT (LIKE A) PIG?
• So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs (Lk
15:15,AT).
• “Cursed be the man who would breed swine’ (Baba Kamma 82b).” (Morris, 258 cf.Trites, 220; Garland, 625;
Strauss, 447)
• In NT, Jesus declares all foods as clean. But under the Old Covenant, pigs were considered unclean (Lev 11:7 cf.
Dt. 14:8). (Morris, 258. Stein, 405;Trites, 220; Evans, 236; Bock BECNT, 1311; Garland, 625; Strauss, 447; Chen, 216)
• Food laws partially functioned to keep Jews set apart from Gentiles.This young son squanders his father’s money
in a Gentile country, starts living as a Gentile, (Edwards, 440) doing a shameful job only a Gentile would do.
• “A degrading employment for anyone, and an abomination to a Jew.” (Plummer, 373). For us, like tending rats
NO SENSETO NO CENTS:
ROCK BOTTOM
• And he would long to be filled with the pods which the pigs were eating, but no one would give him any (Lk
15:16,AT).
• He’s earning so little money that he craves to eat “pig-food.” (Stein, 405)
• Carob pods were used to feed pigs and cattle and, in hard times, were eaten by the poor (Trites, 219)
• “When Israelites are reduced to eating carob-pods, they repent” (Leviticus Rabbah 13.3; Song of Songs
Rabbah 1.4; Evans, 236; Strauss, 447).“
• “When the son goes barefoot he recalls the comfort of his father’s house” (Lam. Rab. 1.7 §34).”
(Garland, 627; Strauss, 447)
• Wallowing in sin, he now wallows with pigs! (Garland, 625) Rock bottom (Trites, 220; Chen, 216)
• It’s been said that: we often don’t look up at God, until we are on our backs.
NO SENSETO NEW SENSE
• When he came to himself, he said, "How many of my father's day laborers abound with food, and here
I am losing my life due to hunger!" (Lk 15:17,AT).
• Day laborers were people who would be hired to work on a day-to-day basis. (Bock BECNT,
1312,1313)
• They had more freedom than servants of a household, but they had less security (EDNT, 432;
Garland, 628)
• He’s working like a dog, longing to eat like a pig, but his father's day workers could eat like
a pig – and take home a doggy bag
• Listeners likely wondering: was he just hungry? (Chen, 217)
CAUTIONARY TALE?
• Jesus could have ended the story here as a cautionary tale
• “His attempt to live carelessly and independent of any constraints is a failure.” (Bock
BECNT, 1313)
• “And that’s why it’s always important to honor your father and your mother.”
• 18Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds
correction is honored (Pr 13:18, NIV; cf. Pr 10:3, 13:25; Garland, 626)
• But the story doesn’t end there…
THE PRODIGAL SON RETURNS
• 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against
you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he
got up and went to his father.
• “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran
to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
• 21 “The son said to him,‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to
be called your son.’
• 22 “But the father said to his servants,‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his
finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For
this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. (Lk
15:18-24, NIV)
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
• “I will get up and go to my father and I will say to him,‘Father, I have sinned against
Heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of
your day laborers.’” (Lk 15:18-19,AT).
• He rehearses his lines in advance (Chen, 217)
• Heaven: circumlocution for God (i.e., referring to God without saying His Name)
(Green, 582. Cf. Evans, 236; Garland, 627; Reiling, 550; Strauss, 447)
• He has broken the Fifth Commandment (Stein, 406)
NO DIGNITY, NO DOUBT
• So, he got up and came to his father. But when he was still a far distance away, his father saw him and was deeply
moved with compassion. [His father] ran and threw his arms around his neck and kissed him (Lk 15:20,AT cf. Gen
29:13; 33:4).
• Lit.“he fell upon his neck” (Cf. Gen 33:4; 45:14-15;Ac 20:37; Bock BECNT, 1313; Reiling, 551)
• Probably saw his son emaciated (Chen, 218). Felt deep compassion (lit. felt it in his guts (σπλαγχνίζομαι |
splanchnizomai))
• 4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him… (Gen
33:4a, NIV; Garland, 628; Bovon, 427)
• Older, wealthy men did not run. (Stein, 406) lest their legs be exposed! (Chen, 218). Slow, dignified pace (Sir
19:30; Garland, 628; Straus, 448). Running was seen as humiliating. (Strauss, 448)
• He likely had to run through the village publicly (Green, 583) in front of all the neighbors…
• Father would have had to hike up the skirt of his robes to run (Keener IVP)
GENUINE CONFESSION?
• And the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before you, I am no longer worthy to
be called your son." (Lk 15:21,AT)
• 7The people came to Moses and said,“We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against
you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.
(Nu 21:7; Garland, 627)
• 16 Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron and said,“I have sinned against the LORD your
God and against you. (Ex 10:16, NIV; Garland, 627; Plummer, 374)
• Makes no claims for himself. (Bock BECNT, 1313; Garland, 628; Chen, 217)
• Admits he is not worthy (Chen, 217); he doesn’t deserve it! No excuses! (Bock BECNT, 1313;
Plummer, 375)
WELCOME HOME BASH
• But the father said to his servants, "Quick! Bring out a robe -- the best one-- and put it on him, and give him a ring for his hand and sandals
for his feet" (Lk 15:22,AT).
• There is no punishment (cf. Dt 21:18-21), probation, or test for proof of true repentance.The Father likely interrupts him.
(Garland, 628, 29; Bovon, 427; Chen, 217).Also, Father gives no sermon/lecture! (Garland, 629)
• “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” (Is 65:24, NIV; Garland, 628, 629).
• The robe and the ring were signs of honor and authority (cf. Gen 41:42; Est 3:10, 8:2; Ezek 16:10; Morris, 260; Stein, 407; Trites,
220; Garland, 629; Plummer, 376; Bovon, 427; Strauss, 448; Chen, 218)
• “The ring may contain a seal and thus represent the son’s membership in the family.” (Bock BECNT, 1314-1315) Guest of
honor: Jews rarely ate meat; A fattened calf could feed an entire village
• Sandals, back then, were luxury items that were never worn by servants. (Trites, 220; Plummer, 376; Strauss, 448). Going
barefoot was a sign of humiliation (Edwards, 443; Bock BECNT, 1315.)
• Son:“treat me like one of your servants.” But his father treats him like one of His sons. (Keener IVP; Bock BECNT, 1314; Plummer,
376)
PIG FEEDERTO GUEST OF HONOR
• “And bring the calf, – the fattened one – slay it, and let us eat and celebrate.” (Lk 15:23,AT).
• At this time, Jews rarely ate meat (Bovon, 428)
• To kill and serve a fattened calf was reserved for only the most special of occasions like a wedding feast
(Strauss, 448), etc. (Bock IVP, Schreiner, 827;Trites, 220; Plummer, 376; Bovon, 428; Reiling, 552)
• “The fattened calf would provide a banquet table with the very best feast possible in first-century
Palestine” (Evans, 237)
• Fattened calves were specially fed for at least several months (Bock BECNT, 1315; Chen, 217)
• Big enough to feed an entire village (no refrigerators!)The whole town would likely be invited (Garland,
631; Strauss, 448)
• Huge party with prime rib (Keener IVP)
• The fattened calf also likely belonged to the older brother! (Garland, 629)
CELEBRATE GOODTIMES, COME ON!
• “Because this son of mine was dead and came back to life, he was lost and has been found.”
And they began to celebrate (Lk 15:24,AT)
• To imagine the father’s joy…
THE OLDER SON
• Jesus could end the story there, but…
• 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field.When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.
26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he
replied,‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
• 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.
29 But he answered his father,‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your
orders.Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son
of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
• 31 “ ‘My son,’ the father said,‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to
celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ”
(Lk 15:25-32, NIV)
PARTY TIME
• Now his son -- the eldest one -- was in the field.And as he came and
approached the house, he heard the sounds of musical instruments and
dancing (Lk 15:25,AT).
• The word translated “music” is συμφωνία (like symphony), which
refers to the sound of various musical instruments playing together.
(BDAG, 961; EDNT, 290; Bovon, 428)
• Seems like they brought out the whole band! (Bock BECNT, Plummer,
377)
• The word translated “dancing” (χορός | choros) refers to people
dancing together – often in a circle (EDNT, 470)
WHAT’S GOING ON?
• So, he summoned one of the servants and inquired as to what all that could be about (Lk 15:26,
AT). And he said to him, "Your brother has come, and your father killed the calf -- the fattened
one -- because he got him back safe and sound (Lk 15:27,AT).
• “Safe and sound” is a translation of the Greek word from where we get the English word
hygiene (ὑγιαίνω | hygiainō).
• Means to “be healthy” but also describes a rehabilitated, restored, reconciled
relationship (Edwards, 445; Stein, 407)
• The younger son has been reconciled back into right relationship with his father; on
more than one level, he has become well (NIDNTTE, 517; Bovon, 428)
• Younger son is getting the red-carpet treatment (Garland, 630)
PARTY POOPER?
• But he became angry and did not want to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him
(Lk 15:28,AT)
• I feel for the older son, because the younger son is not getting what he deserves.
• His father is throwing him a welcome-home bash, but he likely deserves a welcome-
home beating.
• Father is gracious to older son, too (Plummer, 378). He could have had one of his
servants bring him inside (Garland, 630)
• Instead of putting his foot down and ordering him, he begs him to join the celebration
(Reiling, 555)
DOES HE HAVE A POINT?
• "Look! I have been slaving so many years for you and never did I disobey one of your commands.Yet, never did you
give me a young goat so that I could celebrate with my friends” (Lk 15:29,AT). But when this son yours -- who
devoured your life assets with prostitutes -- came, for him you kill the fattened calf! (Lk 15:30,AT).
• The obedient son is now disobedient; the son who was an insider is now an outsider (Bock BECNT,
1317-18)
• He is so mad that he refuses to go inside or even address his dad as “Father.” In that culture, both of these
would have been grave insults that would bring his father shame “…and could have warranted a beating.”
(Keener, Lk 15:25-28. cf. Strauss, 448; Garland, 630)
• Big difference in quality/quantity between a fattened calf and a young goat. (Evans, 237; Reiling, 555)
• This son of yours gets filet mignon after disowning you; I’ve been doing what I’m supposed to do all these
years, but you never even gave me Happy Meal (Bovon, 429)
• Probably overstating his case, however.
IT’S ALREADYYOURS
• "(My) child, you are always with me and everything of mine is yours." (Lk 15:31b,AT).
• Since the younger son has squandered his share, everything that is left literally belongs
to the older son (Plummer, 379; Reiling, 556)
• The irony is that the younger son is willing to work like a slave but is treated like a son.
(Chen, 219)
• The older son may not realize his privileges as a son and sees himself as working like a
slave (Trites, 219; Bock BECNT, 1317.; Plummer, 378; Bovon, 429; Reiling, 555; Chen, 218)
NECESSARY CELEBRATION
• “But it was necessary to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life;
he was lost and has been found.” (Lk 15:32,AT).
• “The verb “it is necessary” has a connection with salvation in Luke (see 2:49; 4:43; 9:22; 13:16, 33;
17:25; 19:5; 22:37; 24:7, 26, 44).” (Garland, 633)
• Notice how he corrects the older son by saying,“this brother of yours” (Bock BECNT, 1319; Garland,
632; Plummer, 379; Bovon, 429; Chen, 219)
• This is not about the father’s gullibility; it’s about the father's grace
• This is not a time to question the father’s fairness, but a time to celebrate the son’s salvation. (Bock
BECNT, 1319; Chen, 219)
ZOOM OUT:
LOTS OF LOST AND FOUND
• Now the tax collectors and sinners were all
gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees
and the teachers of the law muttered,“This man
welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (Lk 15:1-2,
NIV)
• Back then, sharing a meal signified a certain level of
intimacy and acceptance (Keener IVP)
• You didn’t break bread with just anybody (hence the
food laws)
LOTS OF LOST AND FOUND:
THREE “LOST PARABLES”
• Lost Sheep (Lk 15:3-7): a shepherd leaves ninety-
nine sheep to go out a find one which had gone astray
• Lost Coin (Lk 15:8-10): a woman lights a lamp and
diligently searches her house until she finds one of
her ten coins.
• Lost Son (Lk 15:11-32): a father runs out to
meet one of his two sons
• 1 out of 100  1 out of 10  1 out of 2
• Increase in relative value (Keener IVP; Garland, 623)
LOTS OF LOST AND FOUND
• 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents
than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent (Lk 15:7, NIV)
• In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who
repents (Lk 15:10, NIV)
• In the third parable, we have a compassionate and gracious father, who rejoices over his son who “comes
to his senses” –an expression for saying that he repents (Stein, 406; Edwards, 440-441; Green, 581;Trites,
220; Bock BECNT, 1312; Garland, 627; Bovon, 426).
• Father = God (Wilcock, 151. Morris, 254. Marshall NBC, 1005. Green, 586, cf. Lk 11:1–13; 12:22–34;
Green, 579; Bock BECNT, 1306)
• Young Son = repentant sinner(s) (Evans, 233; Bock BECNT, 1306)
• Older Son?
RSVP?
• The older son likely represents the Pharisees and the scribes (cf. Lk 15:1-2; Schreiner, 827; Evans, 233; Garland, 627;
Plummer, 378; Chen, 220.) -- many of whom were probably self-righteous. (Morris, 261. Edwards, 442;Trites, 221;
Bock BECNT, 1306)
• We don’t know if the older son comes to his senses or not; Jesus leaves it open-ended -- likely because he has told
these three parables to invite the Pharisees and scribes to the table (Bock BECNT, 1320; Garland, 633; Plummer, 379)
• Earlier he told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to
repentance” (Lk 5:31-32, NIV; Bock NIVAC, 415)
• God and the angels are rejoicing over these sinners who have repented. Why aren’t you? (cf. Marshall NBC, 1005)
• Are you going to continue to be self-righteous, and separate yourself from your Father and your spiritual family, or are you
going to grab some BBQ?
• We got music, we got dancing (Lk 15:25), we got all the food you can eat. Would you like a seat?
THE SINFUL WAY OF SELF
• At its essence, sin is a self-separation from God. It’s
knowing God’s way… “but ‘no’-ing God’s way” (Kreeft &
Tacelli, 303)
• Not “Thy will be done” but “my will be done”
• Though they might want to do whatever they want, a child left
to their own devices can do themselves grave harm.
• What children want is not always what’s best.
THE BESTTHING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME
• What is best for us is to be in right relationship with our
Heavenly Father through Christ.
• James reminds us that “every good and perfect gift comes
from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly
lights…” (Jas 1:17, NIV).
• If God is the Source of all that brings lasting happiness and
joy, why do we try to find joy and lasting happiness away
from God? By going our own way? By going astray?
JESUS:THE GOOD SHEPHERD
• The Good News is that Jesus says He is the Good
Shepherd (Jn 10:11).
• “…the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Lk
19:10, NIV; Edwards, 432; Bock BECNT, 1321)
• The shepherd in the first parable demonstrates the ministry of
God the Son (Edwards, 432 cf. Is 40:1; Ezekiel 34; Ps 23:1;
Wilcock, 150)
• Christ actively pursues us for a reconciled relationship. No
matter what people think, God thinks you are to die for
CONCLUSION:
AMAZING GRACE!
• God’s grace is so Amazing because, just like the younger son, we don’t deserve it (Rom 6:23, Eph 2:8-8).
And we cannot earn our reconciliation back to God simply by doing what we should have been doing in the
first place
• Many times we don’t look up at God until we are on our backs.
• Repentance is often hardest for those who don’t think they need it (Garland, 634)
• God can allow the repercussions of sin work themselves out in the lives of those who willfully turn away
from Him and go their own way (Garland, 620)
• If anyone turns from their self-centered, sinful way and humbly turns back to their Heavenly Father (i.e.,
repent), they will be lovingly embraced and celebrated in Heaven (Bock BECNT, 1320; Garland, 620).
• If anyone truly repents, they should be lovingly embraced and celebrated on Earth (by their spiritual family)
(Bock BECNT, 1320; Garland, 620).
• Those who accept Christ must accept others accepted by Christ (Garland, 620)
• We are not worthy, but God thought we were worth saving.That’s Amazing Grace!
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• Keener, Craig S. … And Marries Another: Divorce and Remarriage in the Teaching of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012.
• Kreeft, Peter, and Ronald K. Tacelli. Handbook of Christian Apologetics: Hundreds of Answers to Crucial Questions. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1994.
• Lewis, C. S. Mere Christianity (C.S. Lewis Signature Classics). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition, 2009.
• Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains. New York: United Bible Societies, 1996.
• Marshall, I. Howard. The Gospel of Luke: A Commentary on the Greek Text. New International Greek Testament Commentary. Exeter: Paternoster Press, 1978.
• Marshall, I. Howard. “Luke.” In New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, edited by D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, and G. J. Wenham, 4th ed., 978–1020. Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994.
• Morris, Leon. Luke: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 3. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988.
• Pao, David W., and Eckhard J. Schnabel. “Luke.” In Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, 251–403. Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, UK: Baker Academic; Apollos, 2007.
• Plummer, Alfred. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel according to S. Luke. International Critical Commentary. London: T&T Clark International, 1896.
• Reiling, J., and J. L. Swellengrebel. A Handbook on the Gospel of Luke. UBS Handbook Series. New York: United Bible Societies, 1993.
• Robertson, A. T. A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research. Logos Bible Software, 2006.
• Schreiner, Thomas R. “Luke.” In Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, 3:799–839. Baker Reference Library. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1995.
• Silva, Moisés, ed. New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014.
• Stein, Robert H. Luke. Vol. 24. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992.
• Strauss, Mark in Arnold, Clinton E. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke. Vol. 1. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002.
• Thayer, Joseph Henry. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Being Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti. New York: Harper & Brothers., 1889.
• Trites, Allison A., William J. Larkin. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, Vol 12: The Gospel of Luke and Acts. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2006.
• Wallace, Daniel B. Greek Grammar beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996.
• Wilcock, Michael. The Savior of the World: The Message of Luke’s Gospel. The Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1979.

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Lost & Found | Parable of the Prodigal Son Bible Study (Luke 15:11-32)

  • 1. LOST AND FOUND! PARABLE OF THE LOST SON(S!) (LUKE 15:11-32) BIBLE STUDY DANNY SCOTTON JR. | ALPHA BAPTIST CHURCH | 8.7.19
  • 2. AMAZING GRACE Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch; like me! I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.
  • 3. EVER LOSEYOUR KEYS? If we rejoice when finding our keys, how much more do we think our Heavenly Father rejoices when one of His lost children is found?
  • 4. AMAZING GRACE OR AMAZING GULLIBILITY? • 11 Jesus continued:“There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father,‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. • 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. • 17 “When he came to his senses, he said,‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! (Lk 15:11-17, NIV)
  • 5. ENTITLED CHILDREN • When I was younger I felt entitled to a car…I deserved it!
  • 6. ENTITLED CHILDREN: BUT I… • Do you have any car money? • But I do all my work in school • But I don’t get into any trouble • But I go to church every week • Parents:And? That’s what your supposed to do! • You don’t earn a car by following the rules
  • 7. ENTITLED SON • Then [Jesus] said, "A man had two sons."The younger [son] said to his father, "Father, give me the share of the estate that I have coming to me” (Lk 15:11-12a,AT). • Under Jewish law, the firstborn would receive twice as much of the inheritance as the other children  Older son: 2/3; younger son 1/3 (Dt. 21:17; Num 27:8-11). (Morris, 257-258; Green, 580;Trites; 219; Evans, 236; Bock BECNT, 1309; Garland, 624; Plummer, 372; Bovon, 425; Jeiling, 546; Chen, 216 • Children usually took possession of their inheritance when the father died (Stein, 405) • 20To son or wife, to brother or friend, | do not give power over yourself, as long as you live; | and do not give your property to another, | in case you change your mind and must ask for it. | 21 While you are still alive and have breath in you, | do not let anyone take your place. | 22 For it is better that your children should ask from you | than that you should look to the hand of your children. | 23 Excel in all that you do; | bring no stain upon your honor. | 24 At the time when you end the days of your life, | in the hour of death, distribute your inheritance. (Sir 3:20-24, NRSV; Stein, 405; Strauss, 447) • Essentially saying:“Dad, I wish you were already dead” (Keener IVP,Trites, 219; Garland, 624; Strauss, 447)
  • 8. THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT? • In that culture they stressed obeying and honoring one’s parents (Keener IVP cf. Ex 20:12) • The son was publicly disowning his family (Edwards, 458) and rejecting his own flesh and blood (Green, 580) • “Not only has he declared total independence from his father, he has also abandoned his responsibility to care for him in his old age (Exod 20:12; Deut 5:16)” (Chen, 216). • This offense was virtually unforgiveable (Edwards, 458) • Sons who violated the Fifth Commandment could have be beaten or worse (i.e., they could be stoned to death (Dt 21:18-21; Keener, Lk 15:11-12; Bock BECNT, 1319; Garland, 628; Strauss, 448)
  • 9. AMAZING GULLIBILITY? • So, the man divided his life's assets between them (Lk 15:12,AT). • Life’s assets is actually the Greek word for “life” (βίος | bios)(Bock BECNT, 1309; BDAG, 177; Bovon, 425) • He gives the share to his son who may have been as young as 17 (Marshall NIGTC, 607; Keener IVP; Bock BECT, 1309) • “God allows sin’s punishment to work itself out in the lives of those who willfully desert him and try to go it alone.” (Garland, 620 cf. Bock BECNT, 1310) • God’s wrath is often like removing guardrails • What was the father thinking? Doesn’t seem to make much sense…
  • 10. NO SENSETO NO CENTS • The young son acts like he got no sense… and ends up with no cents • Then, not many days afterwards, he gathered everything together and the younger son journeyed into a distant country and there he squandered his estate by living recklessly (Lk 15:13,AT). • The term translated “gathered together” (συνάγω | synagō) may imply that he liquidated all of his assets into cash (Marshall NBC, 1005; Evans, 232; Bock BECNT, 1310; Evans 236; Garland, 624; Bovon, 425; Reiling, 546; Strauss, 447) • Living recklessly  spending spree (Morris, 258; Stein, 405) • Distant country = Gentile country (Green, 580; Strauss, 447) away from his father (Edwards, 439) and strict Jewish laws (Trites, 220) • Money, independence, no one to tell him what he could or could not do = young American dream? • AllThat Glitters Ain’t Gold
  • 11. NO SENSETO NO CENTS: FAMINE • In 21st Century, cursed rain ruins our plans; In the 1st century, people would pray for rain • Droughts and famines were catastrophic to ancient economies; they were seen as divine punishments • After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in need (Lk 15:14,AT) • Like a severe recession
  • 12. NO SENSETO NO CENTS: EAT (LIKE A) PIG? • So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs (Lk 15:15,AT). • “Cursed be the man who would breed swine’ (Baba Kamma 82b).” (Morris, 258 cf.Trites, 220; Garland, 625; Strauss, 447) • In NT, Jesus declares all foods as clean. But under the Old Covenant, pigs were considered unclean (Lev 11:7 cf. Dt. 14:8). (Morris, 258. Stein, 405;Trites, 220; Evans, 236; Bock BECNT, 1311; Garland, 625; Strauss, 447; Chen, 216) • Food laws partially functioned to keep Jews set apart from Gentiles.This young son squanders his father’s money in a Gentile country, starts living as a Gentile, (Edwards, 440) doing a shameful job only a Gentile would do. • “A degrading employment for anyone, and an abomination to a Jew.” (Plummer, 373). For us, like tending rats
  • 13. NO SENSETO NO CENTS: ROCK BOTTOM • And he would long to be filled with the pods which the pigs were eating, but no one would give him any (Lk 15:16,AT). • He’s earning so little money that he craves to eat “pig-food.” (Stein, 405) • Carob pods were used to feed pigs and cattle and, in hard times, were eaten by the poor (Trites, 219) • “When Israelites are reduced to eating carob-pods, they repent” (Leviticus Rabbah 13.3; Song of Songs Rabbah 1.4; Evans, 236; Strauss, 447).“ • “When the son goes barefoot he recalls the comfort of his father’s house” (Lam. Rab. 1.7 §34).” (Garland, 627; Strauss, 447) • Wallowing in sin, he now wallows with pigs! (Garland, 625) Rock bottom (Trites, 220; Chen, 216) • It’s been said that: we often don’t look up at God, until we are on our backs.
  • 14. NO SENSETO NEW SENSE • When he came to himself, he said, "How many of my father's day laborers abound with food, and here I am losing my life due to hunger!" (Lk 15:17,AT). • Day laborers were people who would be hired to work on a day-to-day basis. (Bock BECNT, 1312,1313) • They had more freedom than servants of a household, but they had less security (EDNT, 432; Garland, 628) • He’s working like a dog, longing to eat like a pig, but his father's day workers could eat like a pig – and take home a doggy bag • Listeners likely wondering: was he just hungry? (Chen, 217)
  • 15. CAUTIONARY TALE? • Jesus could have ended the story here as a cautionary tale • “His attempt to live carelessly and independent of any constraints is a failure.” (Bock BECNT, 1313) • “And that’s why it’s always important to honor your father and your mother.” • 18Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored (Pr 13:18, NIV; cf. Pr 10:3, 13:25; Garland, 626) • But the story doesn’t end there…
  • 16. THE PRODIGAL SON RETURNS • 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. • “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. • 21 “The son said to him,‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ • 22 “But the father said to his servants,‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. (Lk 15:18-24, NIV)
  • 17. THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME • “I will get up and go to my father and I will say to him,‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your day laborers.’” (Lk 15:18-19,AT). • He rehearses his lines in advance (Chen, 217) • Heaven: circumlocution for God (i.e., referring to God without saying His Name) (Green, 582. Cf. Evans, 236; Garland, 627; Reiling, 550; Strauss, 447) • He has broken the Fifth Commandment (Stein, 406)
  • 18. NO DIGNITY, NO DOUBT • So, he got up and came to his father. But when he was still a far distance away, his father saw him and was deeply moved with compassion. [His father] ran and threw his arms around his neck and kissed him (Lk 15:20,AT cf. Gen 29:13; 33:4). • Lit.“he fell upon his neck” (Cf. Gen 33:4; 45:14-15;Ac 20:37; Bock BECNT, 1313; Reiling, 551) • Probably saw his son emaciated (Chen, 218). Felt deep compassion (lit. felt it in his guts (σπλαγχνίζομαι | splanchnizomai)) • 4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him… (Gen 33:4a, NIV; Garland, 628; Bovon, 427) • Older, wealthy men did not run. (Stein, 406) lest their legs be exposed! (Chen, 218). Slow, dignified pace (Sir 19:30; Garland, 628; Straus, 448). Running was seen as humiliating. (Strauss, 448) • He likely had to run through the village publicly (Green, 583) in front of all the neighbors… • Father would have had to hike up the skirt of his robes to run (Keener IVP)
  • 19. GENUINE CONFESSION? • And the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son." (Lk 15:21,AT) • 7The people came to Moses and said,“We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. (Nu 21:7; Garland, 627) • 16 Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron and said,“I have sinned against the LORD your God and against you. (Ex 10:16, NIV; Garland, 627; Plummer, 374) • Makes no claims for himself. (Bock BECNT, 1313; Garland, 628; Chen, 217) • Admits he is not worthy (Chen, 217); he doesn’t deserve it! No excuses! (Bock BECNT, 1313; Plummer, 375)
  • 20. WELCOME HOME BASH • But the father said to his servants, "Quick! Bring out a robe -- the best one-- and put it on him, and give him a ring for his hand and sandals for his feet" (Lk 15:22,AT). • There is no punishment (cf. Dt 21:18-21), probation, or test for proof of true repentance.The Father likely interrupts him. (Garland, 628, 29; Bovon, 427; Chen, 217).Also, Father gives no sermon/lecture! (Garland, 629) • “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” (Is 65:24, NIV; Garland, 628, 629). • The robe and the ring were signs of honor and authority (cf. Gen 41:42; Est 3:10, 8:2; Ezek 16:10; Morris, 260; Stein, 407; Trites, 220; Garland, 629; Plummer, 376; Bovon, 427; Strauss, 448; Chen, 218) • “The ring may contain a seal and thus represent the son’s membership in the family.” (Bock BECNT, 1314-1315) Guest of honor: Jews rarely ate meat; A fattened calf could feed an entire village • Sandals, back then, were luxury items that were never worn by servants. (Trites, 220; Plummer, 376; Strauss, 448). Going barefoot was a sign of humiliation (Edwards, 443; Bock BECNT, 1315.) • Son:“treat me like one of your servants.” But his father treats him like one of His sons. (Keener IVP; Bock BECNT, 1314; Plummer, 376)
  • 21. PIG FEEDERTO GUEST OF HONOR • “And bring the calf, – the fattened one – slay it, and let us eat and celebrate.” (Lk 15:23,AT). • At this time, Jews rarely ate meat (Bovon, 428) • To kill and serve a fattened calf was reserved for only the most special of occasions like a wedding feast (Strauss, 448), etc. (Bock IVP, Schreiner, 827;Trites, 220; Plummer, 376; Bovon, 428; Reiling, 552) • “The fattened calf would provide a banquet table with the very best feast possible in first-century Palestine” (Evans, 237) • Fattened calves were specially fed for at least several months (Bock BECNT, 1315; Chen, 217) • Big enough to feed an entire village (no refrigerators!)The whole town would likely be invited (Garland, 631; Strauss, 448) • Huge party with prime rib (Keener IVP) • The fattened calf also likely belonged to the older brother! (Garland, 629)
  • 22. CELEBRATE GOODTIMES, COME ON! • “Because this son of mine was dead and came back to life, he was lost and has been found.” And they began to celebrate (Lk 15:24,AT) • To imagine the father’s joy…
  • 23. THE OLDER SON • Jesus could end the story there, but… • 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field.When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied,‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ • 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father,‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders.Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ • 31 “ ‘My son,’ the father said,‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ” (Lk 15:25-32, NIV)
  • 24. PARTY TIME • Now his son -- the eldest one -- was in the field.And as he came and approached the house, he heard the sounds of musical instruments and dancing (Lk 15:25,AT). • The word translated “music” is συμφωνία (like symphony), which refers to the sound of various musical instruments playing together. (BDAG, 961; EDNT, 290; Bovon, 428) • Seems like they brought out the whole band! (Bock BECNT, Plummer, 377) • The word translated “dancing” (χορός | choros) refers to people dancing together – often in a circle (EDNT, 470)
  • 25. WHAT’S GOING ON? • So, he summoned one of the servants and inquired as to what all that could be about (Lk 15:26, AT). And he said to him, "Your brother has come, and your father killed the calf -- the fattened one -- because he got him back safe and sound (Lk 15:27,AT). • “Safe and sound” is a translation of the Greek word from where we get the English word hygiene (ὑγιαίνω | hygiainō). • Means to “be healthy” but also describes a rehabilitated, restored, reconciled relationship (Edwards, 445; Stein, 407) • The younger son has been reconciled back into right relationship with his father; on more than one level, he has become well (NIDNTTE, 517; Bovon, 428) • Younger son is getting the red-carpet treatment (Garland, 630)
  • 26. PARTY POOPER? • But he became angry and did not want to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him (Lk 15:28,AT) • I feel for the older son, because the younger son is not getting what he deserves. • His father is throwing him a welcome-home bash, but he likely deserves a welcome- home beating. • Father is gracious to older son, too (Plummer, 378). He could have had one of his servants bring him inside (Garland, 630) • Instead of putting his foot down and ordering him, he begs him to join the celebration (Reiling, 555)
  • 27. DOES HE HAVE A POINT? • "Look! I have been slaving so many years for you and never did I disobey one of your commands.Yet, never did you give me a young goat so that I could celebrate with my friends” (Lk 15:29,AT). But when this son yours -- who devoured your life assets with prostitutes -- came, for him you kill the fattened calf! (Lk 15:30,AT). • The obedient son is now disobedient; the son who was an insider is now an outsider (Bock BECNT, 1317-18) • He is so mad that he refuses to go inside or even address his dad as “Father.” In that culture, both of these would have been grave insults that would bring his father shame “…and could have warranted a beating.” (Keener, Lk 15:25-28. cf. Strauss, 448; Garland, 630) • Big difference in quality/quantity between a fattened calf and a young goat. (Evans, 237; Reiling, 555) • This son of yours gets filet mignon after disowning you; I’ve been doing what I’m supposed to do all these years, but you never even gave me Happy Meal (Bovon, 429) • Probably overstating his case, however.
  • 28. IT’S ALREADYYOURS • "(My) child, you are always with me and everything of mine is yours." (Lk 15:31b,AT). • Since the younger son has squandered his share, everything that is left literally belongs to the older son (Plummer, 379; Reiling, 556) • The irony is that the younger son is willing to work like a slave but is treated like a son. (Chen, 219) • The older son may not realize his privileges as a son and sees himself as working like a slave (Trites, 219; Bock BECNT, 1317.; Plummer, 378; Bovon, 429; Reiling, 555; Chen, 218)
  • 29. NECESSARY CELEBRATION • “But it was necessary to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” (Lk 15:32,AT). • “The verb “it is necessary” has a connection with salvation in Luke (see 2:49; 4:43; 9:22; 13:16, 33; 17:25; 19:5; 22:37; 24:7, 26, 44).” (Garland, 633) • Notice how he corrects the older son by saying,“this brother of yours” (Bock BECNT, 1319; Garland, 632; Plummer, 379; Bovon, 429; Chen, 219) • This is not about the father’s gullibility; it’s about the father's grace • This is not a time to question the father’s fairness, but a time to celebrate the son’s salvation. (Bock BECNT, 1319; Chen, 219)
  • 30. ZOOM OUT: LOTS OF LOST AND FOUND • Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered,“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (Lk 15:1-2, NIV) • Back then, sharing a meal signified a certain level of intimacy and acceptance (Keener IVP) • You didn’t break bread with just anybody (hence the food laws)
  • 31. LOTS OF LOST AND FOUND: THREE “LOST PARABLES” • Lost Sheep (Lk 15:3-7): a shepherd leaves ninety- nine sheep to go out a find one which had gone astray • Lost Coin (Lk 15:8-10): a woman lights a lamp and diligently searches her house until she finds one of her ten coins. • Lost Son (Lk 15:11-32): a father runs out to meet one of his two sons • 1 out of 100  1 out of 10  1 out of 2 • Increase in relative value (Keener IVP; Garland, 623)
  • 32. LOTS OF LOST AND FOUND • 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent (Lk 15:7, NIV) • In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Lk 15:10, NIV) • In the third parable, we have a compassionate and gracious father, who rejoices over his son who “comes to his senses” –an expression for saying that he repents (Stein, 406; Edwards, 440-441; Green, 581;Trites, 220; Bock BECNT, 1312; Garland, 627; Bovon, 426). • Father = God (Wilcock, 151. Morris, 254. Marshall NBC, 1005. Green, 586, cf. Lk 11:1–13; 12:22–34; Green, 579; Bock BECNT, 1306) • Young Son = repentant sinner(s) (Evans, 233; Bock BECNT, 1306) • Older Son?
  • 33. RSVP? • The older son likely represents the Pharisees and the scribes (cf. Lk 15:1-2; Schreiner, 827; Evans, 233; Garland, 627; Plummer, 378; Chen, 220.) -- many of whom were probably self-righteous. (Morris, 261. Edwards, 442;Trites, 221; Bock BECNT, 1306) • We don’t know if the older son comes to his senses or not; Jesus leaves it open-ended -- likely because he has told these three parables to invite the Pharisees and scribes to the table (Bock BECNT, 1320; Garland, 633; Plummer, 379) • Earlier he told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Lk 5:31-32, NIV; Bock NIVAC, 415) • God and the angels are rejoicing over these sinners who have repented. Why aren’t you? (cf. Marshall NBC, 1005) • Are you going to continue to be self-righteous, and separate yourself from your Father and your spiritual family, or are you going to grab some BBQ? • We got music, we got dancing (Lk 15:25), we got all the food you can eat. Would you like a seat?
  • 34. THE SINFUL WAY OF SELF • At its essence, sin is a self-separation from God. It’s knowing God’s way… “but ‘no’-ing God’s way” (Kreeft & Tacelli, 303) • Not “Thy will be done” but “my will be done” • Though they might want to do whatever they want, a child left to their own devices can do themselves grave harm. • What children want is not always what’s best.
  • 35. THE BESTTHING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME • What is best for us is to be in right relationship with our Heavenly Father through Christ. • James reminds us that “every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” (Jas 1:17, NIV). • If God is the Source of all that brings lasting happiness and joy, why do we try to find joy and lasting happiness away from God? By going our own way? By going astray?
  • 36. JESUS:THE GOOD SHEPHERD • The Good News is that Jesus says He is the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:11). • “…the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Lk 19:10, NIV; Edwards, 432; Bock BECNT, 1321) • The shepherd in the first parable demonstrates the ministry of God the Son (Edwards, 432 cf. Is 40:1; Ezekiel 34; Ps 23:1; Wilcock, 150) • Christ actively pursues us for a reconciled relationship. No matter what people think, God thinks you are to die for
  • 37. CONCLUSION: AMAZING GRACE! • God’s grace is so Amazing because, just like the younger son, we don’t deserve it (Rom 6:23, Eph 2:8-8). And we cannot earn our reconciliation back to God simply by doing what we should have been doing in the first place • Many times we don’t look up at God until we are on our backs. • Repentance is often hardest for those who don’t think they need it (Garland, 634) • God can allow the repercussions of sin work themselves out in the lives of those who willfully turn away from Him and go their own way (Garland, 620) • If anyone turns from their self-centered, sinful way and humbly turns back to their Heavenly Father (i.e., repent), they will be lovingly embraced and celebrated in Heaven (Bock BECNT, 1320; Garland, 620). • If anyone truly repents, they should be lovingly embraced and celebrated on Earth (by their spiritual family) (Bock BECNT, 1320; Garland, 620). • Those who accept Christ must accept others accepted by Christ (Garland, 620) • We are not worthy, but God thought we were worth saving.That’s Amazing Grace!
  • 38. BIBLIOGRAPHY • Arndt, William, Frederick W. Danker, and Walter Bauer. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000. • Balz, Horst Robert, and Gerhard Schneider. Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1990–. • Bock, Darrell L. Luke. The IVP New Testament Commentary Series. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1994. • Bock, Darrell L. Luke. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996. • Bock, Darrell L. Luke: 9:51–24:53. Vol. 2. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1996. • Bovon, François. Luke 2: A Commentary on the Gospel of Luke 9:51–19:27. Edited by Helmut Koester. Translated by Donald S. Deer. Hermeneia—A Critical and Historical Commentary on the Bible. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2013. • Chen, Diane G. Luke: A New Covenant Commentary. Edited by Michael F. Bird and Craig Keener. New Covenant Commentary Series. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2017. • Edwards, James R. The Gospel according to Luke. Edited by D. A. Carson. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos, 2015. • Evans, Craig A. Luke. Understanding the Bible Commentary Series. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1990. • Garland, David E. Luke. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: . Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012. • Green, Joel B. The Gospel of Luke. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1997. • Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993. • Keener, Craig S. … And Marries Another: Divorce and Remarriage in the Teaching of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012. • Kreeft, Peter, and Ronald K. Tacelli. Handbook of Christian Apologetics: Hundreds of Answers to Crucial Questions. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1994. • Lewis, C. S. Mere Christianity (C.S. Lewis Signature Classics). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition, 2009. • Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains. New York: United Bible Societies, 1996. • Marshall, I. Howard. The Gospel of Luke: A Commentary on the Greek Text. New International Greek Testament Commentary. Exeter: Paternoster Press, 1978. • Marshall, I. Howard. “Luke.” In New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, edited by D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, and G. J. Wenham, 4th ed., 978–1020. Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994. • Morris, Leon. Luke: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 3. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988. • Pao, David W., and Eckhard J. Schnabel. “Luke.” In Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, 251–403. Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, UK: Baker Academic; Apollos, 2007. • Plummer, Alfred. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel according to S. Luke. International Critical Commentary. London: T&T Clark International, 1896. • Reiling, J., and J. L. Swellengrebel. A Handbook on the Gospel of Luke. UBS Handbook Series. New York: United Bible Societies, 1993. • Robertson, A. T. A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research. Logos Bible Software, 2006. • Schreiner, Thomas R. “Luke.” In Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, 3:799–839. Baker Reference Library. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1995. • Silva, Moisés, ed. New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014. • Stein, Robert H. Luke. Vol. 24. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992. • Strauss, Mark in Arnold, Clinton E. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke. Vol. 1. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002. • Thayer, Joseph Henry. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Being Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti. New York: Harper & Brothers., 1889. • Trites, Allison A., William J. Larkin. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, Vol 12: The Gospel of Luke and Acts. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2006. • Wallace, Daniel B. Greek Grammar beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996. • Wilcock, Michael. The Savior of the World: The Message of Luke’s Gospel. The Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1979.