Prodigal Son (Part 1 of a 2 part Sermon)
Today we are going to work with the last lesson of
three parables which deal with God’s relationship to man and man’s
acceptance by God. Those that will enter into heaven will be a figure of
these discussed in here. This last parable is referred to as the story
of the “Prodigal Son”. Even some translations give this label as a
prelude before going into the parable.
Luke 15:11: And he said,
A certain man had two
sons:
Notice some key points that Christ started out with…
Again, the Lord Jesus could have chosen any number of sons to propose
this image but He chose “2”. Why did God choose the number “2” here?
It’s very interesting that the Greek for the English word “Two”
presented here;
δυ
́ο
or “duo” , is pronounced as:
doo'-o in English
“Duo” we define as so: A primary numeral; “two”:
also meaning: “both, or twain”, depending on
context.
Notice that there is more to the Greek definition
than just the number “two”, it also means: “both”!
Like in the first two parables Jesus chose to use for
this lesson, the word “both” can be used here to show completeness
and/or fullness of numeric value, such as “ALL”! “Both” of these sons
were physically created by this father, but both did not love and obey
the father’s will. God is God of “ALL”, both the good and evil!!! Think
about this for a minute. God even created Lucifer. Before
he lusted in his heart to exalt himself above “God the Most High”, and
being cast down from Heaven, becoming Satan... Yes he was called the
“son of the morning!" (Referring to Isaiah 14:12-15)
Isaiah 14:12: How art thou fallen from
heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the
ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Isaiah 14:13: For thou hast said in thine
heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the
stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in
the sides of the north:
Isaiah 14:14: I will ascend above the heights
of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Isaiah 14:15: Yet thou shalt be brought down
to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Now, let’s consider that the meaning of the Greek
“Duo” presented here was in fact, just the number “two”. Common things
of life are often tagged in pairs. For instance, we have left or right,
fast or slow, happy or sad, right or wrong, etc, the list is endless.
Moral values are often referred to in pairs such as; right or wrong,
good or bad, or true or false. As far as righteousness is concerned,
there are only two choices—God’s way or some other path. Think of this
concept in relation to this parable. “A certain man had two (two types
of) sons….” The Lord also used the term “sons” not “disciples” or
“servants” or “men” thus establishing the close kinship between the
principles in this story.
Let’s look at the Greek for “sons”;
υι
̔ός
pronounce as ( hwee-os') is
defined as;
“uihos” : Apparently a primary word; a “son”, used very widely of
immediate, remote or figurative kinship: - child, son
.
Now with this knowledge we can see that being
designated a “son” does not mean one is necessarily worthy. We are free
to choose right or wrong, yes or no, left or right, and/or even whether
to stay or go. The Psalmist shows us this example as he wrote,
Psalms 119:106: I have sworn, and I will perform
it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
Psalms 119:107: I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O
LORD, according unto thy word.
Psalms 119:108: Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill
offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
Psalms 119:109: My soul is continually in my hand: ...
We can ask to be taught but even this is a choice we
make, even the decision to learn or not is a choice after we ask to be
taught.
Some key points chosen here are the fact that the
Psalmist repeats himself again and again that he is the one who chooses
his walk and that he is accountable for his choices! Our choices are
inevitable and account for our Day of Judgment when we will all stand
with “No Excuse”.
Romans 1:20: For the invisible things of him from the creation of
the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are
made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are
without excuse:
In staying in the true faith, we willingly choose to
make our petition and show ourselves to be approved as Paul said in
(2Timothy 2:15), studying God’s Word and pursue the Lord’s ways as we
pick up our cross to follow Him (Matthew 16:24). We live by faith which
is not just a belief, it is an action verb! Remember, even “Satan
believes… and trembles”! We are sanctified as we walk through this dark
world. Sacrificing ourselves for others and humbling ourselves before
the Lord daily. We know that not everyone will enter into God’s Kingdom,
but it looks like heaven will have more people than many want to accept
(We’ll go over that a little later).
What a new insight on such a beautiful parable.
Please remember, just as in the previous lessons, some of the needed
facts and truths of which we must understand to study things out
properly. Who is Christ speaking to and about? What was the mindset of
His audience at this time? These little factors can quickly be
overlooked and this is extremely crucial for an accurate understanding
of what was really being taught. This is critical in all true Biblical
studies! Here, this part is very easy to understand because the Lord
clarifies Himself at the very beginning.
Luke 15:1: Then drew near unto him all the
publicans and sinners for to hear him.
The publicans and sinners drew near to Jesus, but
notice the next verse clearly states that the Pharisees and Scribes
overheard Christ and were “murmuring”.
Luke 15:2: And the Pharisees and scribes
murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with
them.
Luke 15:3: And he spake this parable unto them,
saying,
See, this is the group of people that Jesus was
originally addressing.
The TWO types of people;
1. Publicans/Sinners - the “Lost”
2. Pharisees/Scribes - “Self-righteous”
Christ started with the first of the “Two” types. The
son that rebelled and chose to live the life he wanted instead of
following the way of his father. This would resemble the publicans and
the sinners.
Luke 15:12:
And the younger of
them said to his
father, Father,
give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided
unto them his living.
Luke 15:13:
And not many days
after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey
into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous
living.
Pay attention to the key word here “younger” and its
definition in Greek;
νε
́ος,
pronounced as: ( neh'-os ) or
“neos” and defines as such;
A primary word, including the comparative (second
form); “new”, that is, (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh;
figuratively regenerate: - “new” and/or “young”. Sometimes expressional
terms such as “uninformed” and “unknowing” are needed to clarify
meaning. Sometimes
νεώτερος,
pronounced as: ( neh-o'-ter-os
) or “neōteros”
is used in place to identify tense
needed ie. – Young(er)(est), fresh(er)(est), etc..
We can easily see that the “younger son” (like so
many of us) had a selfish heart and was completely compelled to ask for
what he wanted, when he wanted it. Therefore, we could easily draw a
conclusion that this was indeed the wicked son. But with this
understanding we see that the younger son was “unknowing, unlearned,
uninformed, fresh, and last” being the “new” member of this family. He
simply wanted his rewards of the family royalties, not realizing the
trials that would come to past for his ignorant choices, decisions
and/or actions.
Luke 15:14:
And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land;
and he began to be in want.
Luke 15:15: And
he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he
sent him into his fields to feed swine.
Luke 15:16:
And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that
the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
After the riotous living and spending all he had,
things became very difficult. There was a famine in the land which meant
that everyone was fending for themselves and he was without substance or
loved ones to turn to for relief. Some of us have to go through the
horrific trials and impoverishment of body and spirit before the light
of truth can be seen (Jesus). This is more than physical deprivation;
this is a “spiritual destitution”, a starvation of the soul!
Notice also that there was a “mortal angel” here
perhaps appointed to be there to help him in his time of need. This is
one of those questions that we must ask ourselves, “Was this an Angel
appointed from God to look out for this lost soul?” Possibly! God often
provides help through the charity and kindness of others as we struggle
in life.
Luke 15:17:
And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants
of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with
hunger!
Luke 15:18:
I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto
him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
Luke 15:19:
And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy
hired servants.
The son said, not the father, “I will arise”,
“I will go”, “I will say”, “I have sinned”, “I will be a servant”,
and even that he is “no more worthy to be called his son”! His
father did not send out servants to chase the riotous son down and force
him to change and come back. Just something to think about as you study
the character of God. He loves us enough to allow us to walk away from
His desired path. What a glorious awakening this is that the younger son
has… “I have sinned against Heaven”, this is true humility
displayed here by a now wiser “Prodigal son”. The Greek used here for
the English word “Sinned” is;
α
̔μαρτάνω,
it is pronouned as: “
ham-ar-tan'-o”
“hamartanō” is defined as such: A negative particle, or “properly to
miss the mark (and so not share in the prize)”, that is (figuratively),
basically it is to err, offend, sin, trespass, especially (morally),
to sin: - for your faults.
Please pay attention to the ending of this definition
for the Greek word “hamartanō”, it is defined with a statement about
man’s sin nature; “to sin: for YOUR faults”. God leaves
the chance available to us. It truly is of our choice to continue in
sin. Just a question, does it say anywhere that a person is condemned
because of God’s faults? No, (God forbid)! God has no faults, even His
Word is infallible. He is ALL “Righteous and Just”. He gives to all who
embrace his truths, an equal opportunity for eternal life through the
only sinless One’s sacrifice (Jesus Christ).
Luke 15:20:
And
he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a
great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and
fell on his neck, and kissed him.
Notice again, “He arose”. The younger son consciously
decided to return home, initiating the action to return and repent. The
father saw him from a great way off and had compassion, and RAN to his
son, “FELL on his NECK and KISSED him”! That is love. He was received by
his father even after all he did selfishly. Still he received him with
open arms!
God is ready for anyone to turn back from sinful
living and repent. He will run to us if and when we repent! God will
never leave you nor forsake you, but still He won’t force anyone to
change. We must choose to be obedient and worship His rightfully earned
Lordship, by our own heart’s desire for the gift of eternal
salvation available only through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Luke 15:21:
And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against
heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be
called thy son.
Notice that the son repented whole heartedly, he was
even willing to give his life as a slave to his own family. Yet, the
father welcomed him back with open arms and all the love that could be
given. The father was looking and waiting for the son the whole time.
Luke 15:22:
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best
robe, and put
it on
him; and put
a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
Luke 15:23:
And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it;
and let us eat,
and be merry:
Luke 15:24:
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he
was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
Remember this is an illustration of heaven, not
earth. Though these are material items, I want to draw an illustration
of what these symbols used here really mean.
The Greek for the word Robe is;
Στολη
́
pronounced as “stol-ay'”
“stolē” defines as such: Equipment, that is, (specifically) a
“stole” or long fitting gown (as a mark of dignity): - long clothing
(garment), (long) robe.
This can be easy to miss but going deeper we realize
that this has a “spiritual meaning” because Christ said this is a
picture of Heaven, so when the Father said, “Bring forth the best
robe”. He is saying that when someone comes and truly repents, he
puts a robe of righteousness on him. A covering that is made by the
blood of Christ Himself! This is the “best robe” mentioned here.
The “Ring on his hand” can be taken two
different ways, but both show the same point;
The Greek word for “ring” is:
δακτυ
́λιος
Pronounced as: “dak-too'-lee-os”
“daktulios” defines as: A finger ring: - ring.
We can embrace this as a symbol of marriage
that the bride commits to and the eternal lasting of this contract is
never broken or rebuked.
When someone puts this ring on they have become one
flesh with the Groom. They have committed to being with them until the
end and this is what the ring shows… A complete acceptance and new
covenant made with the vow of the repentant soul.
Or we can also use the idea that history has shown us
that royal families carried a family crest ring that was passed down
from the father to the son and so on. Still this concept is a complete
embodiment of acceptance. He was part of this family and it was
proclaimed by the ring on his hand.
Now the “Shoes on his feet” is a little bit more
complicated, but has a great need to be addressed also; God often refers
to our feet. Christ washed the Apostle’s feet. Paul mentions something
that ties together with this greatly.
Ephesians 6:15: And your feet shod with the preparation of the
gospel of peace;
The shoes are the gospel of Jesus Christ! His gospel,
His peace… Wearing these shoes, we are able to stand with a solid
foundation, which is Jesus Christ Himself! Knowing that we are family
and we are loved by the Father. Christ said in John;
John 14:27: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not
as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be
troubled, neither let it be afraid.
We are given the gospel of Jesus Christ and we are
equipped with the power of God! We are fit to be sent to all the ends of
the earth and God expects us to serve His righteousness giving the truth
to everyone. What do we have to fear? With God on our side, who can be
against us?
Initially, we were all intended to become God’s
children, created in the very likeness (IMAGE) of our Creator and lost
in our Sinful Nature (Selfishness)! Which part of God was created to
burn? NOT ONE PART OF GOD WAS OR WILL BE CONDEMNED TO HELL… MAY IT NEVER
BE!! GOD FORBID!! I could keep going but the point is simple. God is
Righteous, Just, Faithful, Graceful, and He is Loving and Merciful. God
did not automatically disown us from the sin of Adam, or even when we
erred ourselves. But He does expect us to willingly submit to His plan
and allow Him to change us from the inside out (our Hearts)! The Father
is earnestly awaiting and watching for our return to him. The whole host
of Heaven rejoices when one sinner humbles himself and submits to God’s
righteousness. His arms are always open and His love continues all the
way up to the Day of Judgment. Then He will, by His own standards, give
up those who choose to rebel against Christ’s loving sacrifice. We need
only to repent and turn back to His plan.
The term here used for “was dead” is about
being spiritually dead, not physically dead (Not the second death).
Before we become born again, we are spiritually dead. This is an example
of the lost souls in this world but I want to bring your attention to a
fact that usually is passed up. Because of the sinful nature inherited
by the blood line of Adam, we can truly only become children of God if
and when we accept Jesus Christ as the true living Son of God (John
1:21). But notice that this parable clearly shows us that the younger
son was indeed his father’s son before he walked away and never stopped
being his father’s son. Can we walk away from the truth? I would
have to say “Yes”!!
Read what Paul said to the Galatians in chapter 3, it
starts off with “O’ Foolish Galatians”…After starting out in the
spirit of truth…
Galatians 3:1: O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched
you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus
Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Galatians 3:2: This only would I learn of you, Received ye the
Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:3: Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit,
are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Galatians 3:4: Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be
yet in vain.
What a gracious God we truly have. He deserves all
the praise and glory.
Please join me next lesson as we round this long
beautiful set of parables out for the fullness of Christ’s message. I
pray that this has been a blessing to all of you and that you will study
these things out for yourselves as the Spirit of God leads you to a new
enlightenment. I pray that if anyone needs further assistance they will
seek it out for proper clarity through prayer and from Christ’s faithful
workers. May God be glorified in all things, always forever and ever,
Amen! Thank you and God bless you all! We will finish this up next
lesson…
Your brother in Christ Jesus,
J. Charles Roberts
