Prodigal Son – the pressure of freedom (Lk. 15:11-13; Gal. 5:13; 1 Pet. 2:16)
What does this parable have to do with our lives today? How should we apply these lessons to our own lives?
Prodigal Son Parable
In this parable, Jesus uses an analogy to explain how God treats those who turn away from him. The story shows that God will always love us, even when we fail to live according to his commandments.
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Why did this man leave his father?
In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells us about a man who leaves his father and family to go out and seek his fortune. He ends up returning home after many years, but he has lost everything.
The Bible says that this man he was “prodigal” (Luke 15:13). A prodigal is someone who spends money recklessly without regard for how much he will need later. In other words, he squandered his inheritance.
“He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich” (Prov. 21:17, NKJV)
remember the prodigal (Lk. 15:13-16)
The story is called “The Prodigal Son.”
This parable is often used as an illustration of God’s unconditional love for people. It also teaches us that God forgives our sins and welcomes us back into his family.
The Father's Love
The father loved his son unconditionally. He gave him everything he needed to succeed.
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What was the result of his leaving?
A Change of Mind Luke 15:17-20
“But when he came to himself, he said, . . . ‘I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,’ . . . And he arose and came to his father.”
He returned home, he realized that he had wasted his life away. He was so ashamed of himself that he wanted to die.
It is entirely possible for us to think the Lord is with us, when in fact He is not! The Day of Judgment will be one day too late to find out!
Many will complete their journey to eternity thinking that Jesus has been with them when He wasn’t. Matthew 7:21-23.
What happened when he returned?
His father welcomed him back with open arms and restored him to his rightful place as heir.
The father of the prodigal son was deeply hurt over his son squandering his wealth. Yet, when the son got to his lowest point and then returned home to ask forgiveness, the father not only forgave him for his foolishness, but the father welcomed him home, threw a feast, put the ring on his hand and celebrated.
The father rejoiced at his son’s return. He told the servants to prepare a special meal for his son.
Preserve the opportunity to fellowship with your child (Lk 15:17-20a). The father kept the door open for a restored relationship.
A.Sure he allowed his son to hit rock bottom, but the prodigal knew that his father was still there. The father balanced toughness with compassion and forgiveness.
The Prodigal’s Reward
Jesus tells us that when we give up our selfish ways and follow God’s plan for our lives, we will receive a reward. We will be given more than enough to live comfortably.
