What can we learn from the story of the prodigal son?
Introduction. There are great, multiple 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), (3) the father held no grudge (vss. 22-24, 33). Beloved, God does not violate our will. In other works, when we are determined to sin, he will not "stop" us. When the son wanted to leave, the father did not offer and compromise. We either do the Father's will, or leave (Heb. 5: 9). Our heavenly Father continues to love us, but 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 loss, but also in injury to his family. The son's actions lowered him to "feeding swine" and eating of their food, the depths of shame for a Jew (vss. 15,16). Notice the language, "when he cam to himself" (vs. 17).
Repentance and restoration. The father did not simply accept the son back (just as he did not stop the son from leaving or compromise). There was repentance on the son's part (vss. 18-21).
There are many other lessons. The fact that a child can be brought up right and still go astray (the elder son remained in sin, vss.25-32), fair weather friends (vss. 13-17), and how one can be lost while still "at home" (vss. 25-32). Of course, the original purpose of the parable is seen in verses one and two, God receives penitent sinners!
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), (3) the father held no grudge (vss. 22-24, 33). Beloved, God does not violate our will. In other works, when we are determined to sin, he will not "stop" us. When the son wanted to leave, the father did not offer and compromise. We either do the Father's will, or leave (Heb. 5: 9). Our heavenly Father continues to love us, but 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 loss, but also in injury to his family. The son's actions lowered him to "feeding swine" and eating of their food, the depths of shame for a Jew (vss. 15,16). Notice the language, "when he cam to himself" (vs. 17).
Repentance and restoration. The father did not simply accept the son back (just as he did not stop the son from leaving or compromise). There was repentance on the son's part (vss. 18-21).
There are many other lessons. The fact that a child can be brought up right and still go astray (the elder son remained in sin, vss.25-32), fair weather friends (vss. 13-17), and how one can be lost while still "at home" (vss. 25-32). Of course, the original purpose of the parable is seen in verses one and two, God receives penitent sinners!