The Book of Luke: The Parable of the Prodigal Son

The Parable of the Prodigal Son: Luke 15:11-32

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) teaches valuable lessons:

_Luke 15:11-32_

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 When he had spent everything, he began to be in need and went to work for a pig farmer.

15 When he came to his senses, he said, 'I will set out and go back to my father.'

16 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.

17 The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

18 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.'

19 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' So they began to celebrate.

20 The older son was angry and refused to go in.

21 His father went out and entreated him.

22 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders.

23 Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.'

24 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.'

25 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because your brother was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!'

_Key Points:_

1. God's love and forgiveness are unconditional (vv. 11-24).

2. Repentance and humility are essential (vv. 17-20).

3. Older son's attitude represents self-righteousness (vv. 25-32).

_Reflection Questions:_

1. How does the parable illustrate God's love and forgiveness?

2. What lessons can be learned from the younger son's journey?

3. How does the older son's reaction relate to your own experiences?

_Additional Verses:_

- Romans 8:15-17

- Galatians 4:4-7

- Ephesians 2:1-10

_Study Resources:_

- The Bible Project: Luke (video)

- N.T. Wright's Luke for Everyone (commentary)

- The Lutheran Study Bible (study notes)

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