The document discusses the parable of the prodigal son from the book of Luke and examines its meaning. It argues that Jesus redefined sin not just as breaking rules but putting oneself in God's place as savior. It says the older brother in the parable lived with anger, compliance instead of joy, and a sense of his own superiority rather than assurance of his father's love, showing how those who think they are righteous can be just as lost. Finally, it says the gospel calls all people, whether rule-breakers or rule-keepers, to recognize their need for God's grace and forgiveness.

2. PRODIGAL: Recklessly Extravagant…. Lavishly Spending Everything.

3. GRACE: The Gift of the Un-merited Favor of God.

4. Rembrandt Van Rijn (1606-1669) “ The Return of the Prodigal Son” (1669)

6. By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, “He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” Their grumbling triggered this story. (Luke 15:1-3, The Message )

7. GRACE: As a Gift— is therefore —the Un-Meritable Favor of God.

8. “ You can avoid Jesus as Savior by keeping all the moral laws. If you do that, then you have ‘rights.’ God owes you answered prayers, and a good life, and a ticket to heaven when you die. You don’t need a Savior who pardons you by free grace, for you are your own Savior….Here, then, is Jesus’ radical redefinition of what is wrong with us. Nearly everyone defines sin as breaking a list of rules….”

9. “… .Jesus, though, shows us that a man who has violated virtually nothing on the list of moral misbehaviors can be every bit as spiritually lost as the most profligate, immoral person. Why? Because sin is not just breaking the rules, it is putting yourself in the place of God as Savior, Lord, and Judge just as each son sought to displace the authority of the father in his own life.” (Tim Keller, The Prodigal God )

11. You become angry when you don’t get your way

12. “… .The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in.” Luke 15:28

13. You become angry when you don’t get your way You live out of compliance instead of genuine joy

14. “… .All this time his older son was out in the field. When the day’s work was done he came in. As he approached the house, he heard the music and dancing.” Luke 15:25

15. “… .I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be made complete.” John 15:11

16. You become angry when you don’t get your way You live out of compliance instead of genuine joy You have a strong sense of your own superiority

17. “… .The son said, ‘Look how many years I’ve stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast!” Luke 15:29-30

18. You become angry when you don’t get your way You live out of compliance instead of genuine joy You have a strong sense of your own superiority 4. You lack assurance of the Father’s Love

19. “ His father said, ‘Son, you don’t understand. You’re with me all the time, and everything that is mine is yours—but this is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he’s alive! He was lost, and he’s found!’” Luke 15:31-32

20. Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.’ Matthew 21:32

22. You become angry when you don’t get your way You live out of compliance instead of genuine joy You have a strong sense of your own superiority 4. You lack assurance of the Father’s Love

24. “ There are two ways to be your own Savior and Lord. One is by breaking all the moral laws and setting your own course, and one is by keeping all the moral laws and being very, very good….(But) the gospel is distinct from the other two approaches: In its view, everyone is wrong, everyone is loved, and everyone is called to recognize this and change…the only prerequisite for receiving the grace of God is to know you need it.” (Tim Keller, The Prodigal God )