Ohio Christian University
BIB3510 Gospels: Luke (ONLF23)
Professor Daniel Rickett
September 9, 2023
Turnitin™ Submission ID 2161582986
INITIAL OBSERVATIONS & QUESTIONS
• This passage begins with “And he said” (Luke 15:11, ESV), which indicates that Jesus is telling this story in response to something.
o What is the context and occasion of this parable?
• The prodigal son parable involves three main characters: a father and his two sons (Luke 15:11, ESV).
o What are their roles and relationships in the story?
• The younger son asks for his share of the inheritance and leaves his Father’s house (Luke 15:12-13, ESV).
o What does this imply about his attitude and values?
• The younger son squanders his wealth in a foreign country and ends up in a desperate situation (Luke 15:13-16, ESV).
o How does this contrast with his previous life and expectations?
• The younger son comes to his senses, returns to his Father, and asks for forgiveness (Luke 15:17-19, ESV).
o What caused him to change his mind and heart?
• The Father sees his son from afar and runs to embrace him and celebrate his return (Luke 15:20-24, ESV).
o How does this demonstrate the Father’s love and grace?
• The older son hears the celebration and becomes angry and resentful (Luke 15:25-30, ESV).
o Why does he react this way, and what does he accuse his Father of?
• The Father pleads with his older son and explains his joy and compassion for his younger son (Luke 15:31-32, ESV).
o What does he want his older son to understand and do?
• How should a person feel about the younger son who wasted his inheritance and ended up living in poverty and shame?
• How should a person feel about the father who welcomed his son back with open arms and prepared a feast for him?
• How should a person feel about the servants who rejoiced with the father and helped him celebrate? Do you think they were loyal or indifferent?
• How should a person relate this parable in our own lives?
STRUCTURE
This parable has significant implications within the broader context of the Book of Luke (ESV). This parable is not unique to the Book of Luke, but is only found in Luke’s Gospel. It is part of a trio of parables in Luke 15 (ESV) that convey God’s love for sinners and His unwavering commitment to save them. Jesus tells these parables in response to the Pharisees and scribes who criticize His association with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 15:1-2, ESV). The other two parables, the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-10, ESV), and the Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10, ESV), also emphasize the joy of discovering what was lost and the value of repentance.
This parable reflects some of the major themes in Luke’s Gospel, including God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, joy, salvation, repentance, faith, and obedience. The Father in the story represents God, who extends His grace and mercy to those who come to Him in faith and repentance despite their past mistakes. The younger son symbolizes those who have turned away from God and need His forgiveness and restoration. On the other hand, the older son represents those who may appear to obey God outwardly but have not genuinely loved Him or their neighbors. It is worth noting that he also embodies the self-righteous attitude of the Pharisees and scribes, who reject Jesus and His message.
This parable is rich with meaning and foreshadows several significant events in Luke’s Gospel. Jesus’ death and resurrection, which demonstrate God’s love for sinners and His power to save them, are hinted at in the story. The younger son’s return from death to life symbolizes Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, while the Father’s celebration of his son’s return symbolizes the heavenly joy that accompanies those who repent and believe in Jesus. Conversely, the older son’s refusal to join the celebration (Luke 15:28, ESV) symbolizes the Jewish leaders’ rejection of Jesus and His followers.
“The Parable of the Prodigal Son” in Luke 15:11-32 (ESV) can be divided into three main parts. The first part, Luke 15:11-24 (ESV), describes the younger son’s departure and return. The second part, Luke 15:25-30 (ESV), details the older son’s reaction to his brother’s return. Finally, the third part, Luke 15:31-32 (ESV), describes the Father’s response to the older son. Each part contains a sequence of ideas linked together by structural relationships.
For example, in the first part, the younger son asks for his share of the inheritance and goes away to a far country where he squanders all his wealth (Luke 15:12-13, ESV). When he realizes his mistake, he returns home to his Father, who welcomes him back with open arms (Luke 15:20, ESV). In the second part, the older son is angry and refuses to join in celebrating his brother’s return. In the third part, the Father explains that they should celebrate because his lost son has returned home.
The “Parable of the Prodigal Son,” when recognizing literary devices such as writing a college-level essay, starts with an introduction: The parable of the prodigal son is introduced as a response to the Pharisees and the scribes who grumbled at Jesus for receiving sinners and eating with them (Luke 15:1-2, ESV). The main body of this Biblical narrative comes next, consisting of three main scenes as written in the form of essays of today: In the first scene of Luke’s narrative, the younger son asks for his share of the inheritance, leaves his Father’s house, and squanders his wealth in a distant country. He comes to his senses, returns to his Father, and asks for mercy (Luke 15:11-19, ESV). In the next scene, the Father sees his son from afar, runs to him, embraces him, and celebrates his return with a feast. He expresses his joy and love for his son, who was lost and is found (Luke 15:20-24, ESV). Still, in the body of the narrative, we have scene three when the older son hears the music and dances and learns from a servant that his brother has come back. He becomes angry and refuses to join the celebration. His Father comes out and pleads with him, but he complains about his Father’s generosity and his brother’s unworthiness. His Father reminds him of his constant presence and provision and invites him to rejoice with him over his brother’s restoration (Luke 15:25-32, ESV).
The parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32, ESV) ends with an open-ended question (the conclusion), leaving the reader to wonder how the older son will respond to his Father’s invitation and whether he will accept his brother as part of the family (Luke 15:32, ESV).
I. Introduction: Jesus tells a parable about a father and his two sons to illustrate God’s love and forgiveness for sinners (Luke 15:1-3, ESV).
II. The younger son’s rebellion and repentance (Luke 15:11-24, ESV).
A. The younger son asks for his share of the inheritance and leaves his Father’s house (Luke 15:11-13, ESV).
B. The younger son squanders his wealth on reckless living and ends up in poverty and hunger (Luke 15:14-16, ESV).
C. The younger son comes to his senses, returns to his Father, and confesses his sin (Luke 15:17-19, ESV).
D. The Father sees his son from afar and runs to embrace him and welcome him back (Luke 15:20, ESV).
E. The younger son admits his unworthiness and asks for mercy, but the Father restores him to sonship and celebrates his return (Luke 15:21-24, ESV).
III. The older son’s resentment and rebuke (Luke 15:25-32, ESV).
A. The older son hears the music and dancing and learns that his brother has returned (Luke 15:25-27, ESV).
B. The older son becomes angry and refuses to join the celebration (Luke 15:28, ESV).
C. The Father comes out to plead with his son and explain his joy over the lost being found (Luke 15:29-32, ESV).
IV. Conclusion: Jesus challenges the Pharisees and the scribes, who are like the older son, to rejoice over the repentance of the sinners, who are like the younger son, and to accept God’s grace and forgiveness.
A. The conclusion is a common interpretation of the “Parable of the Prodigal Son.” However, it is not explicitly stated in the text. The parable is part of three parables in Luke 15 (ESV) that deal with redemption. The first two parables, the Parable of the Lost Sheep, and the Parable of the Lost Coin, describe how a shepherd and a woman search for something that was lost and rejoice when they find it. The third parable, the Parable of the Prodigal Son, describes how a father welcomes his lost son back home with open arms. The parables are told in response to the Pharisees and scribes who were grumbling about Jesus eating with sinners.
WORDS & PHRASES
“Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me” (Luke 15:12, ESV).
What does the statement “Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me” (Luke 15:12, ESV) reveal?
This statement, “Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me” (Luke 15:12, ESV), reveals the younger son’s desire to be independent of his Father and enjoy his inheritance. It also implies a lack of respect and gratitude for his Father, as he wishes him dead. It is a selfish and rebellious request that goes against the cultural norms and expectations of the time. The Father’s response to granting his son’s wish shows his respect for his free will and willingness to let him go, even though it must have been very painful.
“pigs” (Luke 15:15, ESV).
What does ” pigs ” mean in Luke 15:15 (ESV)?
The word “pigs” in Luke 15:15 (ESV) means unclean animals that the younger son had to feed as a hired servant in a foreign country. Jewish law considered pigs detestable and forbidden (Leviticus 11:7-8; Deuteronomy 14:8) and associated with Gentiles and idolatry (Isaiah 65:4; 66:3, 17). The fact that the younger son had to tend pigs shows how low he had fallen and how desperate he was. He even longed to eat the pods the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything (Luke 15:16, ESV). This contrasted his previous life of luxury and abundance in his Father’s house. The word “pigs” also symbolizes the sinfulness and rebellion of the younger son, who wasted his inheritance on prodigal living and dishonored his Father. By feeding pigs, he defiled himself and separated himself from God and his people.
“lost” (Luke 15:24, ESV).
What is the meaning of “lost” (Luke 15:24, ESV)?
The meaning of “lost” (Luke 15:24, ESV) is that the son was separated from his Father and God and living in a state of sin and misery. He (the son) was lost because he had no hope of salvation or happiness and was heading towards destruction. He was like a sheep that had wandered away from the shepherd or a coin that had fallen out of sight. However, when he repented and returned to his Father, he was found, meaning that he was restored to his Father’s love and God’s grace. He was found in the sense that he had a new life and joy and was welcomed into the family of God. He was like a sheep that had been brought back to the fold or a coin that had been recovered. This is the reason for the Father’s celebration, as he says, “This my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found” (Luke 15:24, ESV).
“older son” (Luke 15:25, ESV).
What does “older son” (Luke 15:25, ESV) mean?
The meaning of “older son” (Luke 15:25, ESV) is that he represents the Pharisees, the scribes, religious leaders, and the teachers of Jewish law. They were self-righteous and proud, and looked down on the sinners and tax collectors, the outcasts, and those despised by society. They did not understand or appreciate the grace and mercy of God, who welcomes and forgives those who repent and believe in him. They were jealous and angry when they saw Jesus associating with the sinners and tax collectors and accused him of being a friend of sinners. They did not rejoice over the salvation of the lost, but rather resented it. They thought they deserved more recognition and reward from God because they had obeyed his commandments and traditions. They did not realize that they were also sinners in need of God’s forgiveness and had missed the heart of God’s law, which is love.
“the fatted calf” (Luke 15:23, ESV).
Why is the phrase “the fatted calf” significant in Luke 15:23 (ESV)?
This phrase is significant because it refers to a young cow specially fed and fattened for a festive occasion, such as a wedding or a feast. It was a symbol of joy, celebration, wealth, and generosity. The Father ordered his servants to kill the fatted calf and prepare a banquet for his returned son, showing his great delight and love for him. He did not spare any expense or effort to honor his son and share his happiness with others. The fatted calf also contrasts with the hunger and poverty that the son experienced when he was away from his Father, living among the pigs and longing for their food. The son had wasted his inheritance on prodigal living, but the Father restored him to abundance and grace. The fatted calf also foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who gave his life for the world’s sins. Jesus is the genuine fatted calf, slain for our sake, and invites us to his table of fellowship and joy. He is the reason for our celebration and gratitude as we are reconciled to God through Him.
SUMMARY, CORRELATION, & APPLICATION
The parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32, ESV) illustrates God’s grace and forgiveness towards sinners who repent and return to him, while his older son represents those who are faithful but resentful of his Father’s mercy.
The parable of the prodigal son is a story (Luke 15:11-32, ESV) that Jesus told to illustrate God’s grace and forgiveness towards sinners who repent and return to him, while his older son represents those who are faithful but resentful of his Father’s mercy. The story begins with a father with two sons, one of whom asks for his share of the inheritance and leaves home to live a wasteful and sinful life in a foreign country. He ends up in poverty and misery, returns to his Father, and asks for forgiveness. His Father welcomes him with joy and compassion and throws a lavish celebration for him. The older son, who has been working hard for his Father, hears this and feels angry and jealous. He refuses to join the celebration, saying that he never disobeyed his Father’s commandments but never received any recognition or reward from him. He accuses his Father of being unfair and hypocritical, especially when he sees that his brother was treated so well after he wasted everything on prostitutes. The Father explains that celebrating was fitting because the younger son was dead and alive again; he was lost and found. He tells him he is always with him, but must rejoice because his brother was found. The older son still does not understand or accept his Father’s words, but he goes away in bitterness.
This parable shows us how God loves us so much that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins on the cross so that we can be forgiven and reconciled with Him. It also shows us how to respond to God’s grace by repenting our sins and returning to him with faith and gratitude. It warns us not to be like the older son, who clings to his legalistic religion, but does not appreciate God’s mercy or share in his joy. It invites us to celebrate God’s goodness with others who have experienced it.
The parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32, ESV) is not only a story within the book of Luke but also a story that connects with other parts of Scripture outside the book of Luke. For example, it echoes the theme of God’s grace and forgiveness found in the Old Testament prophets, such as Hosea, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. It also reflects the theme of God’s love for sinners found in the New Testament epistles, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians. It also relates to the theme of God’s kingdom and salvation found in the Gospels, especially in Matthew 9:10-13 (ESV) and Mark 2:17-22 (ESV). The parable shows us how God’s grace is available to anyone who comes to him with repentance and faith, regardless of their background or status. It also shows us how God’s grace is celebrated by his people, who rejoice with those who are restored to him. It also shows us how God’s grace is challenged by those who are proud and self-righteous, who resist his invitation and reject his mercy.
The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that God’s grace is for everyone who comes to him with repentance and faith. It also teaches us that God’s grace is celebrated by his people, who rejoice with those who are restored to him. It also teaches us that God’s grace is challenged by those who are proud and self-righteous, who resist his invitation and reject his mercy. Therefore, this parable should apply to me personally as a sinner who needs God’s forgiveness and grace. It should also apply to the local church as a community of believers who are called to share God’s joy and celebrate his goodness. It should also apply to my denomination as a group of Christians committed to upholding God’s grace and forgiveness in their doctrines and practices. It should also apply to the church as a body of Christ who is called to be one in spirit and purpose and to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first.
FURTHER QUESTIONS
• What is the most important thing a person can do in life according to this parable?
References:
Bauer, D. R., & Traina, R. A. (2014). Inductive bible study – a comprehensive guide to the practice of hermeneutics. Baker Publishing Group.
Keener, C. S. (2014). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament. Intervarsity Press.
