Typically, we call the famous parable by Jesus “The Prodigal Son,” but that title is actually a bit misleading. The point of the parable is not the younger (Prodigal) son’s recklessly extravagant living. Instead, it’s about God’s recklessly extravagant love.
Focus Scripture – Luke 15:11-12HIDESHOW
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.
Extended SummaryHIDESHOW
The word prodigal refers to actions or persons who are recklessly extravagant or even wasteful to the point of giving of their last resources. Typically, we call the famous< parable by Jesus “The Prodigal Son,” but that title is actually a bit misleading. The point of the parable is not the younger (Prodigal) son’s recklessly extravagant living. Instead it’s about God’s recklessly extravagant love.
In this story, we learn that the younger son requested his inheritance, which was the equivalent of wisher the father were dead. The shocking part is that the wealthy father granted the request. At first the son enjoys life, but then famine hit and he can only find work as a pig farmer, an industry that any faithful Jew avoided. While starving, he realized that his father’s hired hands are treated better than this. So he rehearsed a speech to request that his father take him in as one and heads home.
This is where the prodigal nature of the father is revealed in the story. He sees the son from afar and runs to the son and embraces him, kissing him intensely. Even thought the son smelled like pigs, his father holds him close. Before he can get your pitch out about being a hired hand, the father screams to his servants to prepare for a party and to set his returned son up as the honored reason for the party. This is a story about God’s prodigal love, extravagant actions that stand in stark
contrast to normal reactions.
In this story, we learn that the younger son requested his inheritance, which was the equivalent of wisher the father were dead. The shocking part is that the wealthy father granted the request. At first the son enjoys life, but then famine hit and he can only find work as a pig farmer, an industry that any faithful Jew avoided. While starving, he realized that his father’s hired hands are treated better than this. So he rehearsed a speech to request that his father take him in as one and heads home.
This is where the prodigal nature of the father is revealed in the story. He sees the son from afar and runs to the son and embraces him, kissing him intensely. Even thought the son smelled like pigs, his father holds him close. Before he can get your pitch out about being a hired hand, the father screams to his servants to prepare for a party and to set his returned son up as the honored reason for the party. This is a story about God’s prodigal love, extravagant actions that stand in stark
contrast to normal reactions.
Practical Applications (homework)HIDESHOW
The story of the Prodigal Son is a stunning parable about how outrageous and extravagant God’s love is for us. But in our day-to-day lives, we rarely take the time to slow down and fully comprehend how this translates into our own lives. Go through this exercise for your homework this week to help you realize the intensity of God’s love for you:
- All of us have ways that we have separated from God like the Prodigal Son did. It could be overt rebellion (either now or in our past), or more subtle refusals to submit to the way God wants us to live. Spend some time reflecting on what kind of rebellious behavior you’ve been responsible for.
- Take a few minutes and write out these behaviors. Don’t just make a quick list, either – try to be as complete and detailed as you can about your habits or choices that aren’t in line with God’s will.
- Now, think about putting yourself in the Prodigal Son’s shoes as he plans to return to his father. What kind of speech would you prepare to talk to God about the behaviors that break his heart? Write this out, too.
- In your imagination, see yourself “walking home” to God with all these sins heavy on your heart. But just as in the story of the Prodigal Son, see God as he realizes you’re coming back to him. Picture him running to you and ignoring the apologies, excuses or reasons you prepared about your sinful behavior.
- See the reality of God’s overpowering love washing away your sin and shame. Picture the love in his eyes and feel your own guilt melt away in his arms. Feel him hugging and kissing you. See him signing and dancing because you’re home again. Bask in the everlasting love of God, and realize that this is truly how he feels about you!
Reflection QuestionsHIDESHOW
- What stands out to you from this parable or from the sermon?
- Since Greg led us through an imaginative prayer experience through the sermon, can you share how you experienced that time?
- What does it mean to say that God is “prodigal”?
- Can you share a time when you sense God’s “prodigal” love for you?