What can we learn from the story of the prodigal son?
Introduction. There are multiple great truths found in this parable (Luke 15: 11-32). Let us consider a few.
The nature and workings of God as seen in the father. Please consider the following facts: (1) The father divided unto them his living (vs. 12), (2) the father eagerly and emotionally met his son (vs. 20), and (3) the father held no grudge (vss. 22-24, 33). When the son wanted to leave, the father did not offer a sinful compromise, nor did he force the son to stay. Likewise, when we are determined to sin, our heavenly Father allows us to exercise our freewill and will not stop us. We either choose to do the Father's will or leave (Heb. 5: 9). While God continues to love us, we are outside of the blessings of his love when we leave (vss. 13-20). His son "was dead" (vs. 24).
The insanity of sin. The younger son acted very foolishly. Not only did his selfish conduct result in his own financial loss from reckless, wasteful living leading to eventual suffering, but it also resulted in sorrow for his father (vs. 23-24, 32). The son's actions lowered him to "feeding swine" (an unclean animal per Levitical law) and eating of their food, the depths of shame for a Jew (vs. 15-16). Likewise, our sin will too often harm ourselves and others. While that might be physical, financial, and/or emotional, it will always harm us spiritually, separating us from God (Isa. 59:1-2).
Repentance and restoration. Notice the pivotal language of vs. 17, "when he came to himself". This change in attitude resulted in a change of behavior (vs. 18-19, 21). The father did not simply accept the son back unconditionally, just as he did not stop the son from leaving nor compromise. Thus, we see illustrated both repentance and confession of sin are involved in having a restored relationship with God (1 John 1:9; James 5:16) along with restored benefits (vs. 22).
There are many other lessons. We see a child can be brought up right and still go astray, we see the influence of sinful companions and fair weather friends (vs. 13-17, 30), and we see how one can be lost while still "at home" (vs. 25-32). Of course, the original purpose of the parable is seen throughout the chapter - God lovingly desires the repentance and return of His lost children!
The nature and workings of God as seen in the father. Please consider the following facts: (1) The father divided unto them his living (vs. 12), (2) the father eagerly and emotionally met his son (vs. 20), and (3) the father held no grudge (vss. 22-24, 33). When the son wanted to leave, the father did not offer a sinful compromise, nor did he force the son to stay. Likewise, when we are determined to sin, our heavenly Father allows us to exercise our freewill and will not stop us. We either choose to do the Father's will or leave (Heb. 5: 9). While God continues to love us, we are outside of the blessings of his love when we leave (vss. 13-20). His son "was dead" (vs. 24).
The insanity of sin. The younger son acted very foolishly. Not only did his selfish conduct result in his own financial loss from reckless, wasteful living leading to eventual suffering, but it also resulted in sorrow for his father (vs. 23-24, 32). The son's actions lowered him to "feeding swine" (an unclean animal per Levitical law) and eating of their food, the depths of shame for a Jew (vs. 15-16). Likewise, our sin will too often harm ourselves and others. While that might be physical, financial, and/or emotional, it will always harm us spiritually, separating us from God (Isa. 59:1-2).
Repentance and restoration. Notice the pivotal language of vs. 17, "when he came to himself". This change in attitude resulted in a change of behavior (vs. 18-19, 21). The father did not simply accept the son back unconditionally, just as he did not stop the son from leaving nor compromise. Thus, we see illustrated both repentance and confession of sin are involved in having a restored relationship with God (1 John 1:9; James 5:16) along with restored benefits (vs. 22).
There are many other lessons. We see a child can be brought up right and still go astray, we see the influence of sinful companions and fair weather friends (vs. 13-17, 30), and we see how one can be lost while still "at home" (vs. 25-32). Of course, the original purpose of the parable is seen throughout the chapter - God lovingly desires the repentance and return of His lost children!