67. Prodigal Son

[Pastor Ralph]

Please share your thoughts on one or more of the questions in this lesson. 

[Irmela]

1.  What does this story tell us about the father's character? About the younger son's character?

The father is showing faith in what he has taught his sons. The fact that he is prepared to divide his property into three and already hand it over to his sons, shows that he has a trusting nature. He believes that he will be looked after by them, until his demise. The father is also very wise. He knows his sons. He is prepared to teach them and not just keep his wealth to himself. 

Once the younger son had disappeared, the father did not give up hope that he would return. When he did, he willingly forgave him and restored his status as son. 

The younger son seems to be jealous of what the older can achieve by working hard. He seems to want to prove he can achieve and keep wealth by living irresponsibly. He seems to be lazy and proves himself to be unworthy of his status as a privileged son of a rich man. He gave himself over to a riotous lifestyle. In spite of all this, the son remembers what he learnt at home and because he knew his father he could humble himself and return home and beg for forgiveness. 

[Irmela]

2. Why do you think that the younger son asked for his share of the father's estate ahead of time? Why do you think the father granted his request?

He was not prepared to wait for his father to die and possibly have the oldest son not divide the property but keep it together as a family land holding, and have him, the younger brother, work "under him" , as the main inheritor. 

The father obviously knew both his sons and felt it would be better to have any disunity ironed out while he was still living and not have this ill-will brewing between the brothers. He thus granted the younger sons request. 

[Irmela]

3.  How can the father be so patient? Why doesn't he run after the son and try to convince him to return?

When a person is in this kind of state(frame of mind), forcing them to return will only make them do the running away again at a later stage. They have to come to the point of deciding to return  on their own. 

By letting him go the father is hoping and trusting that he will return to his senses shortly. 

[Irmela]

4.  What are the four elements of the son's prepared speech? (15:18-19) In what ways do they model an appropriate apology?

Confession of sin against God. 

Confession of sin against his father. 

Renouncing of his claim to sonship. 

Requesting to be hired as a servant. 

It is an appropriate apology in that he had sinned against both God and his father by squandering away the money which by rights should have been put to proper use and be part of what should have been available to look after the parents when they could no longer do so themselves. Now that he had done so he also felt that he no longer had a claim to be a son. As he was truly sorry for his deeds and still wanted to be with the family in some way, he requested that it be as a servant. 

It is a model for "righting" as it were a misdeed. (a) First we need to make right with God. (b) Then we need to make right with the person we have wronged. (c) Depending on what was wrong maybe one feels one has no right to an intimate friendship with that person anymore. Maybe they can still deem you as an acquaintance. (d) This point also could be taken as similar to the previous one depending on what the wrong was. Basically you are asking to remain friends as you value the friendship. You don't want to walk away with a dark cloud of unforgiveness hanging over this friendship. You would prefer it to be corrected. 

[Irmela]

5.  Why does the father restore the son so quickly to full sonship? What do we learn about God in this parable? What difference should this knowledge make in our life and ministry?

The father has been longing for this moment for so long and immediately restores his son to sonship, by clothing him (best robes), by placing on him a sign of his love (the ring), by elevating his status (putting shoes/sandals on his feet) from slave (who wore no shoes) to a freedman. He did not accept him back as a slave but immediately gave him back the status of a son. Then finally sharing his joy with all around him by throwing a party. 

God too, welcomes us back into His embrace. He is merciful. He forgives us (cleansed by the blood of the Lamb) and clothes us in robes of righteousness. He sees us as His children. (we are joint-heirs with Christ.) Not only that, but a banquet table is being prepared for when TIME is no more. Then there will be a feast together. And for now there is rejoicing in Heaven every time a sinner returns. 

We too should not look askew on any one regardless of the state the person is in. {There but for the grace of God am I.} We should forgive if sinned against and show mercy alternately encourage each encounter to kneel at the cross and ask God's forgiveness and encourage them to return to Him. We should have compassion no matter what. 

In short when convicted, repent and confess. The Father shows great LOVE and MERCY. 

[Irmela]

6. What is the point of this parable in its context with the Parables of the Lost Sheep (15:3-7) and the Lost Coin (15:8-10)?
Jesus in His time on earth not only spoke about but practiced seeking for the lost, embracing the lost that wanted to return, encouraging and welcoming their return and rejoicing with them. 

In the first two parables (the cause of being lost was by negligence or by being that way inclined), we have the earnest seeking for the lost and in the last one we have the lost returning of his own after recognizing his state of lostness. (He had wilfully left and needed to come back on his own decision). 

There is rejoicing when the lost is found or when the lost returns of his own volition. 

[hanks]

1. What does this story tell us about the father's character? About the younger son's character? 
By granting the younger son his request, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, would have thought the father was stupid and careless to pamper such an immoral son. So, in the story, one would normally expect the father to severely discipline the younger son for making such a request, and in doing so, shaming and dishonouring his father. Instead, the father gave the son his share. I see the father’s character as one of a wise, loving, compassionate, and kind father. On the other hand, the younger son is seen as a spoilt brat, very selfish, only thinking of himself, and with no concern for his father. Perhaps even wishing him dead. 
 

[hanks]

2. Why do you think that the younger son asked for his share of the father's estate ahead of time? Why do you think the father granted his request? 
The younger son must have heard from friends about the glitter and glamour of distant lands. Although his father truly loved him, he might have found life at home too rigid, too protective. The more he thought about it, the idea of unhindered freedom became more and more attractive. So, the younger son cashes in his entire share of the father’s estate and sets off to the far country. Rejecting his father’s love and squandering his wealth in wild living. This story shows a loving father, prepared to bend over backwards to accommodate his son, and give him the freedom he desires. If we assume that the father is a picture of our Heavenly Father, this is what He would normally do. He gives the son the freedom to make choices, but of course the son is not free to choose the consequences. 
 

[hanks]

3. How can the father be so patient? Why doesn't he run after the son and try to convince him to return? 
The father is patient and wise by respecting the younger son’s request and allowing him to go and explore the world. The son was not married and I think must have been in his late teens. So as not to lose him forever, the father, in love, allows his rebellion, respecting the son’s will. He thinks, let him bump his head and get this idea out of his system. The father was wise enough to know what will most likely happen to his son, but he had to allow him to go his course none the less. So, he waits patiently for his son to come to his senses. The father clearly illustrates God’s love. In the same way, God's love is constant and patient and welcoming. He will not force His will on us, but will give us opportunities to respond to His love. And God, like the father in the parable, will wait patiently for our return. 
 

[hanks]

4. What are the four elements of the son's prepared speech? (15:18-19) In what ways do they model an appropriate apology? 
The prodigal son returns home with a four-part speech that defines the true meaning of repentance. 
He confesses what he did was not an error of judgment, but a sin against God and his father (15:18). 
He confesses that the money that he squandered still belonged to his father, and was a sin against his father (15:18). 
He admits that he is no longer worthy to be called a son (15:19). 
He asks to be hired as a servant (15:19).
He realises how ungrateful and selfish he has been, and no longer has a right to be called a son. He now needs to lean upon and trust his father’s love and forgiveness, just as we must learn to trust in our Heavenly Father’s love and forgiveness. Recognition of one’s unworthiness, in contrast to the worthiness of God, is essential for true repentance to take place. At the same time, one must surrender our will to God will. 
 

[hanks]

5. Why does the father restore the son so quickly to full sonship? What do we learn about God in this parable? What difference should this knowledge make in our life and ministry? 
Here is the picture of the waiting father (15:20-21). The moment the younger son left home, the wait and the vigil, the grief and the hope began. The wait was over when the father saw the son a great distance away, being filled with compassion he ran, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The father embraced the son, clothed him with a new robe, put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet, and ordered a feast. The family was in celebration. If leaving the home was death, the return was a resurrection, and worthy of rejoicing. No other image captures the character of God as that of the waiting and loving Father. The son was indeed a prodigal, but nevertheless a son, and over every repentant son there is joy in heaven (15:7). This knowledge should motivate us to go out and win more souls for the Lord. 
 

[hanks]

6. What is the point of this parable in its context with the Parables of the Lost Sheep (15:3-7) and the Lost Coin (15:8-10)? 
There seems to be a pattern between the three parables. Starting with one in a hundred (Parable of the Lost Sheep), one in ten (Parable of the Lost Coin), and one in one (Parable of the Prodigal Son). Which demonstrates God’s love not only for all humanity, but for each one of us personally. As in all three parables, the shepherd, the woman, the forgiving father, is a picture of God, identified as Jesus. The tax collectors and sinners are identified as the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the younger son. The Pharisees and teachers of the law are identified as the ninety-nine, the silver coins, and the older son – as the self-righteous. They had earlier criticised Jesus for mixing with sinners and even eating with them. They did not show grace to these sinners/social outcasts, even resenting the fact that Jesus did. These parables were aimed directly at these Pharisees and teachers of the law who refused to admit that they were lost. In reality they were just as lost as the sinners. The point of these three parables is that God receives real joy and satisfaction when He sees sinners repenting, whereas He obtains no gratification from self-righteous hypocrites who are too proud to admit their wretched sinfulness. 
 

[Old Jerry]

What does this story tell us about the father's character? About the younger son's character?

 

A. The father has a very forgiving character. The younger son had a selfish character.

 

Why do you think that the younger son asked for his share of the father's estate ahead of time? Why do you think the father granted his request?

 

A. He probably wanted to get away from his father and live on his own. I think the father granted his request just of appease his son.

 

How can the father be so patient? Why doesn't he run after the son and try to convince him to return?

 

A. The father probably had hopes that his son would return. He didn’t run after his son because he had given him his inheritance and probably knew that he was going to take off.

 

What are the four elements of the son's prepared speech? (15:18-19) In what ways do they model an appropriate apology?

 

He confesses sin against God.

He confesses sin against his father,

He renounces any legal claim to son ship.

He asks to be hired as a servant at the estate.

 

A. We can always repent and return to the Father.

 

Why does the father restore the son so quickly to full sonship? What do we learn about God in this parable? What difference should this knowledge make in our life and ministry?

 

A. The father loved his son so much and was willing to forgive him for whatever he had done. We learn that our Father in Heaven is also willing forgiving us for our sins. We know that the Father is always with us.

 

What is the point of this parable in its context with the Parables of the Lost Sheep (15:3-7) and the Lost Coin (15:8-10)?

 

A. When we are lost and we repent, there will be a great celebration. We can always turn to Father and He will be there to help us.

[Katy]

Q1.The Father is kind patient and loving. He loves his son, he can see his son is restless and gives him his inheritance. I feel He trusted his son would return when he realised that home wasn’t so bad after all! I am sure there were many days as he watched to see if there was any sighting of his son, that he thought that maybe he had been too trusting. His son appears to have little sense of responsibility towards his father or his well being. He left the responsibility of supporting his father to his older brother. He deprived his father of the money which should have supported his father when he was too old to work. The fact that we are told in verse 13 that he squandered his wealth in wild living shows he had no morals and little of anything or anybody except himself.

Q2.I think the son asked for his share because he was rebelling against his family’s way of life and against his father ‘s rules. He saw this as a way to escape. I think the father thought it might teach him the reality of life , he might do well or he may not. The father knowing the son since birth probably had a good idea just how well he would get on in the outside world. Maybe he hoped that when he had experienced the world he would come home and realise that home is good despite work, families etc.

Q3.The father is a wise man , he knows that no amount of pleading will keep him at home. It will only make the boy more determined to go, and more resentful of his father. The father also represents Our Heavenly Father who is always patient with His children.

Q4.The son humbled himself and admitted to his father that he had sinned against God and against his father.

He admits and accepts that he has no rights of sonship anymore He is aware that he is dependent on his father and his brother because he has spent every penny of his inheritance.

He realises that he only has the standing of a servant if his father is willing to hire him. He needs that job to be able to just feed himself. 
His apology is appropriate because he is humble, admits he has sinned against God and his father. He realises he has nothing and is dependent on his family’s charity. He asks his father for a job as a servant in his household, this shows he has been humbled and is learning from it. 
Q5.The father has been watching and waiting for his return and is so very happy to see him return. There is only joy no recriminations. We learn just how God acts when a sinner turns from their sin and seeks forgiveness. It should encourage us to tell people about the Lords wonderful forgiveness, and how Jesus rejoices when a sinner turns to Him. We must also be humble when we speak to the lost and not feel or act proudly but tell them about the grace of God. 
Q6. All three parables are making the point that there is rejoicing in heaven over one lost sinners return. Then it is time to celebrate. 
The parable of the Lost Son also has the reaction of the older son who is jealous and bitter. This represents the attitude of the Pharisees to Jesus as He tries to draw people to Himself and away from their sin.  

[haar]

1.    What does this story tell us about the father's character? About the younger son's character?

Great loving father, and greedy, selfish and inconsiderate younger son.  

2.    Why do you think that the younger son asked for his share of the father's estate ahead of time? Why do you think the father granted his request?

I think the younger son was inpatient and wanted freedom and thus couldn’t wait for the father to die before he gets his own share of the inheritance due to him.

The father granted his request even though he knew it was not proper out of love for the son.

3.    How can the father be so patient? Why doesn't he run after the son and try to convince him to return?

The story teaches us about God where patience is part of his character, Galatian 5:22 . The story tells us the degree of God’s love,  patience and freedom that allows us to do as we want to.

I think the father didn’t run after the prodigal son because the story teaches us the degree of patience and freedom God gives us to take our decisions at the time we want to.

4.    What are the four elements of the son's prepared speech? (15:18-19) In what ways do they model an appropriate apology?

The four elements of the younger son’s prepared speech are: confession and repentance of his sin to God; confession of his wrong action to his father; renouncing his son-ship position and humbling himself to work as a slave.

5.    Why does the father restore the son so quickly to full sonship? What do we learn about God in this parable? What difference should this knowledge make in our life and ministry?

The father restored the son quickly to full son-ship because he loves the son and did not want him to have left in the first place; furthermore, he has been looking forward to the son’s return all the while.

God loves for us is so much that he will tolerate our sinful actions and patently wait and look forward for our return and restoration.

6.    What is the point of this parable in its context with the Parables of the Lost Sheep (15:3-7) and the Lost Coin (15:8-10)?

There is always the desire to find that which is lost and once it is found, there is joy and celebration.

[Godswriter]

1.    What does this story tell us about the father's character? About the younger son's character?

A patient loving father with an enormous amount of love for his son. The younger son was selfish only thought about himself.

2.    Why do you think that the younger son asked for his share of the father's estate ahead of time? Why do you think the father granted his request?

I believe that he wanted to be free from the constraints of his father and so he chose to do what would hurt his father anyway.  I believe it was out of love but also to see if the son would come back to him.

3.    How can the father be so patient? Why doesn't he run after the son and try to convince him to return?

I believe the father knew not fully but at least partially that his son would eventually feel guilty about what he asked for. Because the father knew running after his son would not solve anything nor would it keep his son from leaving. He like our heavenly father has patience and chooses to give us free will to do what he want. 

4.    What are the four elements of the son's prepared speech? (15:18-19) In what ways do they model an appropriate apology?

An acknowledgement of his choice to leave and realizing that He had sinned against both God and his father. His choice to actually renounce his sonship speaks of true repentance. This models an appropriate apology because of his actual sincerity.

5.    Why does the father restore the son so quickly to full sonship? What do we learn about God in this parable? What difference should this knowledge make in our life and ministry?

He knew that the son would return in a spirit of true repentance and knew that once he did. He would no longer desire the things of the world. That God loves us enough to want us to return to Him in full repentance and welcome us back home. It should cause to be fully obedient to Him. But He will give us free will to choose Him or our desires but will wait for us so we can realize how much He loves us. But also will choose to restore us to a restored relationship in Him.

6.    What is the point of this parable in its context with the Parables of the Lost Sheep (15:3-7) and the Lost Coin (15:8-10)?

The point that some thing that is lost is always something that needs to be found and restored. 

[kreilly]

Why does the father restore the son so quickly to full sonship? What do we learn about God in this parable? What difference should this knowledge make in our life and ministry?

The father is eagerly awaiting the son's return so he can forgive and restore him.  When we stray, God is longing for us to return to Him and wants to forgive us as soon as we repent.  He is not looking to make us pay or earn back our sonship.  He doesn't hold us at arm's length until we've proved we have truly repented.  He can't wait to forgive us.  We should long to bring unbelievers into relationship with Him and tell them how easy it is to repent and be forgiven.  We should not put up hoops they have to jump through or try to make them prove they have changed before inviting them into the body of Christ.  When we have estranged relationships, we should be eagerly looking forward to reconciliation.  We should be repent quickly if we have hurt someone and forgive quickly if we have been wronged, not setting up conditions for forgiveness or asking someone to prove themselves before we can forgive them.  It is hard to do after being hurt, but God will help us to do so.  

[George L]

1. What does this story tell us about the father's character? The father had faith that his son would come to his senses and turn from being ‘dead’ seperated from the family. About the younger son's character? He did not understand his position, nor the value of his ability to contribute to the family welfare. He was self centered not family centered.
2. Why do you think that the younger son asked for his share of the father's estate ahead of time? Ignorance of youth. ‘I want mine now’. Why do you think the father granted his request? Best to seperate the discention from the family.
3. How can the father be so patient? He believes the covenant of Abraham was applicable to himself. He would have his own children in safety. Why doesn't he run after the son and try to convince him to return? Separation from God’s plan throughout history has brought redemption after repentance(change of mind). It was placing the son himself under a curse that would change the him, much better than words spoken to closed ears.
4. Why does the father restore the son so quickly to full sonship? The return was sign of a changed attitude. What do we learn about God in this parable? God has faith those lost from Him will come to their senses and return to him. What difference should this knowledge make in our life and ministry? We had best join in God’s redemption of the lost, stollen, and stray. We must have His faith and go fishing, believing. Jesus, the word, they are God’s sheep and lost. Not ”sinners” Jesus never called anyone sinner. He did tell that troubles came from sin. Do not repeat them.
5. What is the point of this parable in its context with the Parables of the Lost Sheep (15:3-7) and the Lost Coin (15:8-10)? The lost are God’s property even when lost. We had best care as much for those among the lost as the Father does. We do not want to face judgement day to find out how little we cared about God’s prime purpose for our life.