In today's passage we look at three parables spoken by Jesus in response to the Pharisees and teachers who muttered, "This man welcomes sinners to eat with him" (Luke 15:2). The key to understanding the meaning of these parables is looking at the three of them together. They each teach the same idea: Something lost. Something Found. Rejoicing...in heaven. The lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son, and the great rejoicing which Luke tells us is like the rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents, is common to each of the parables .
These three stories demonstrate God as a God of compassion and mercy, much different than the religious leaders who criticized Jesus for taking interest in the known sinners of His day. Of course, all this points to the response of the elder brother in the last parable which helps us understand the Jews' response to Jesus' interest in the Gentiles and those who understand their need produced by sin.
The elder brother is incensed the father would show such delight in the prodigal's return when he had been serving the Lord without receiving the same treatment. Look at the Father's response, "My son, the father said, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours..." Jesus, perhaps, is comparing the Jewish Nation (God's Chosen people), with the Gentiles who were relationally far from God. This view would change the identification of the prodigal son from its common interpretation.
1. If the prodigal son character is describing mankind abandoning God at the Fall (Genesis 3) and taking all of God's wealth (being created in God's image) and wasting it in wanton living (sinful behavior), what does it do to your understanding of the story?
2. How should Jesus' reply to the elder brother impact the way we should think about God's compassion demonstrated today in saving the lost?
3. Does this view impact you understanding of God and His dealings with sinful man? In what way?
How Should we Pray?
Jesus, thank you for saving a sinful person like me. It is good to know you love me a sinner.
The Bux-Mont & Telford Campuses of the Penn Valley Church Multi-site Network are participating in the e100 Challenge, a 100-day Bible reading program. True revival comes from prayer and knowing the Word of God. We can only live the life God intended if we know what He says about it. Join us as we read through this plan and grow deeper in our knowledge of God's Word.
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