The parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15:11-32 describes a younger son asking for his inheritance early and squandering it all through loose living abroad. When a famine hits, he becomes destitute and takes a job feeding pigs. Coming to his senses, he decides to return home and ask to be a servant. His father sees him returning and embraces him, celebrating his return with a feast. The older son questions this celebration for his wasteful brother. The father explains they should rejoice at his return from being lost.

1. THE PRODIGAL SON Luke 15:11-32

2. Luke 15:11-12 11. And He said, "A certain man had two sons; 12. and the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.' And he divided his wealth between them.

3. Luke 15:13 13. And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living.

4. Luke 15:14 14. Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be in need. Everything is lost.

5. Luke 15:15 15. And he went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. Swine is an unclean animal. It would seem this act was one of disdain by the pig owner, "Here Jew, feed pigs."

6. Luke 15:16 16. And he was longing to fill his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him.

7. Luke 15:17 17. But when he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!

8. Luke 15:18-19 18. I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; 19. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.'"

9. Luke 15:20 20. And he got up and came to his father. 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.

10. Luke 15:21 21. And the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.

11. Luke 15:22 22. But the father 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; Robe: sign of dignity and honor. Ring: sign of authority. Shoes: sign of not being a servant. Servants did not wear shoes.

12. The Older Brother The older son had the Pharisee syndrome. He questioned his father about welcoming his younger brother with such festivities and he never did it for him and his friends. The father reminded the older son that they should rejoice because his brother was dead but now he is alive; he was lost but now he is found.

13. The heart of the Father The Father loved his son. He supported his son. He always looked for his son’s return. He welcomed his son. He forgave his son. He celebrated his son’s life.

14. COMPARISONS 1 A son is lost - "Give me my share" | 2 Goods wasted in extravagant living | | 3 Everything lost - "He spent everything-he began to want | | | 4 The great sin - "feeding pigs for gentiles | | | | 5 Total rejection - "no one gave him anything | | | | | 6 A change of mind - "he came to himself-I perish here" | | | | | 6 An initial repentance - "make me a servant" | | | | 5 Total acceptance - "his father ran and kissed him." | | | 4 The great repentance - "I am no more worthy to be called your son. | | 3 Everything gained - a robe, ring, and shoes | 2 Goods used in joyful celebration 1 A son is found - "My son was dead and is alive, was lost and is found."

15. THE END