A Story of Forgiveness | Luke 15:11-24
A Story of Forgiveness
Lesson Text: Luke 15:11-24
Related Scriptures: Luke 15:25-32; Romans 12:9-21; II Corinthians 5:17-21
TIME: A.D. 30 PLACE: probably Perea
GOLDEN TEXT—“This my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found” (Luke 15:24).
Introduction
On this particular day, Jesus was speaking to a mixed audience. Two distinct groups are mentioned (Luke 15:1-2).
Tax collectors and others considered to be sinners by the religious elite were there for the specific purpose of
hearing Jesus teach.
Introduction
On this particular day, Jesus was speaking to a mixed audience. Two distinct groups are mentioned (Luke 15:1-2).
Tax collectors and others considered to be sinners by the religious elite were there for the specific purpose of
hearing Jesus teach.
Since tax collectors worked for the Roman government, they were viewed as traitors and outcasts. The problem
for the religious leaders was that Jesus sat and ate with these less-than-desirable people! Such action indicated
identification and welcome, something they avoided at all costs. In their minds, Jesus was also guilty because
of His association with such bad people of low reputation.
for the religious leaders was that Jesus sat and ate with these less-than-desirable people! Such action indicated
identification and welcome, something they avoided at all costs. In their minds, Jesus was also guilty because
of His association with such bad people of low reputation.
Because of their condescending attitudes, Jesus decided to instruct them in His special style of teaching—namely,
parables. On this particular occasion, He used a series of three parables with a lost object being found in
each one. What we learn is that such reconciling causes joy in heaven.
parables. On this particular occasion, He used a series of three parables with a lost object being found in
each one. What we learn is that such reconciling causes joy in heaven.
LESSON OUTLINE
A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP—Luke 15:11-16 A
RESTORED RELATIONSHIP—Luke 15:17-24
Exposition: Verse by Verse
A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP—Luke 15:11-16 A
RESTORED RELATIONSHIP—Luke 15:17-24
Exposition: Verse by Verse
A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP
LUKE 15:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he
divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and
there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
LUKE 15:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he
divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and
there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
The son’s request (Luke 15:11-12).
This is the third of the three parables. It is about a man and his two sons. For some unknown reason, the younger
son asked for his portion of the inheritance early. We are not told why he did this or why his father agreed to it,
but they did. Normally, such division of an inheritance did not occur until after the death of the father; at that
time, the older brother would receive a double portion. In this case, the older would get two-thirds and the
younger one-third.
Jesus did not explain the details of the division because that was not important to the illustration and the point
He was making. The only thing we can know for certain is that after this, the son would have no more claim to
further inheritance. The request seems to be one of arrogant disregard for the authority of his father. Constable
wrote that “to request it prematurely was tantamount to expressing a wish that the father would die” (Thomas
Constable’s Notes on the Bible, Tyndale). No wonder the older brother later became upset.
{The father’s response was a very gracious and generous act on his part.}Q1 He did not force his son to stay
with him but instead granted his request by giving him his portion of the inheritance early. We are not told
whether the older son received his portion at the same time, though in such circumstances he likely would.
Since the younger son was unmarried, it is also likely that he was an older teenager. It is quite obvious that
his intention was to sever the relationship and leave.
{In order to understand the parable, we need to recognize that the father represents God, the older brother
represents the religious leaders, and the younger brother represents sinners.}Q2 Just as this father did not force
his son to stay with him, so God does not deal with us in that way. Every created person owes his or her very
existence to God. He has revealed His love for us by sending His Son to die for our sins, but we often respond
to His grace with rebellion.
This is the third of the three parables. It is about a man and his two sons. For some unknown reason, the younger
son asked for his portion of the inheritance early. We are not told why he did this or why his father agreed to it,
but they did. Normally, such division of an inheritance did not occur until after the death of the father; at that
time, the older brother would receive a double portion. In this case, the older would get two-thirds and the
younger one-third.
Jesus did not explain the details of the division because that was not important to the illustration and the point
He was making. The only thing we can know for certain is that after this, the son would have no more claim to
further inheritance. The request seems to be one of arrogant disregard for the authority of his father. Constable
wrote that “to request it prematurely was tantamount to expressing a wish that the father would die” (Thomas
Constable’s Notes on the Bible, Tyndale). No wonder the older brother later became upset.
{The father’s response was a very gracious and generous act on his part.}Q1 He did not force his son to stay
with him but instead granted his request by giving him his portion of the inheritance early. We are not told
whether the older son received his portion at the same time, though in such circumstances he likely would.
Since the younger son was unmarried, it is also likely that he was an older teenager. It is quite obvious that
his intention was to sever the relationship and leave.
{In order to understand the parable, we need to recognize that the father represents God, the older brother
represents the religious leaders, and the younger brother represents sinners.}Q2 Just as this father did not force
his son to stay with him, so God does not deal with us in that way. Every created person owes his or her very
existence to God. He has revealed His love for us by sending His Son to die for our sins, but we often respond
to His grace with rebellion.
The son’s wastefulness (Luke 15:13-14). {As planned, the younger son took his new fortune and left home, traveling to another country
a good distance from home. He must have become something of a party animal, making himself popular with
everybody because of his willingness to spend money on them.}Q3 The Greek word translated “wasted” here
is diaskorpizō, meaning “to dissipate” or “to squander.” An English dictionary definition of “squander” is “to
spend extravagantly or foolishly” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition).
a good distance from home. He must have become something of a party animal, making himself popular with
everybody because of his willingness to spend money on them.}Q3 The Greek word translated “wasted” here
is diaskorpizō, meaning “to dissipate” or “to squander.” An English dictionary definition of “squander” is “to
spend extravagantly or foolishly” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition).
The Life Application Bible Commentary notes, “The young man apparently had wanted to live his own way,
be his own master, get out from under the rules of his home and his father. Money was his ticket, so he took it
and ran” (Osborne, ed., Tyndale). He is described as participating in riotous, or wild, living. He fell into a lifestyle
marked by indulgence in the baser vices, uninhibited by parental or societal restraints. He had cast off all moral
standards and lived for pleasure and popularity.
be his own master, get out from under the rules of his home and his father. Money was his ticket, so he took it
and ran” (Osborne, ed., Tyndale). He is described as participating in riotous, or wild, living. He fell into a lifestyle
marked by indulgence in the baser vices, uninhibited by parental or societal restraints. He had cast off all moral
standards and lived for pleasure and popularity.
This is the kind of thing some young people seem to desire, what is sometimes called sowing their wild oats.
While some adults smile and simply say, “Kids will be kids,” it can be a very dangerous pathway for young
people to take. This is especially true in today’s culture, where drugs have become so prominent. These, as well
as addiction to alcohol, can produce serious mental and emotional disturbances from which it might be impossible
to ever recover.
While some adults smile and simply say, “Kids will be kids,” it can be a very dangerous pathway for young
people to take. This is especially true in today’s culture, where drugs have become so prominent. These, as well
as addiction to alcohol, can produce serious mental and emotional disturbances from which it might be impossible
to ever recover.
The root problem in all of this is the focus on the temporal instead of on the permanent and eternal. Parental
example and teaching can do much to steer children away from such perils, although, as this parable implies,
some will stray even from the godliest of upbringings. When that happens, there is still hope for redemption
and reconciliation.
example and teaching can do much to steer children away from such perils, although, as this parable implies,
some will stray even from the godliest of upbringings. When that happens, there is still hope for redemption
and reconciliation.
In the eyes of this wayward young man, everything was going just as he had hoped. We know there can be no
genuine joy in such living, but sometimes God has to use drastic means to get a person’s attention. That is what
He did in this case. A severe famine occurred, and the young man was left in desperate need.
genuine joy in such living, but sometimes God has to use drastic means to get a person’s attention. That is what
He did in this case. A severe famine occurred, and the young man was left in desperate need.
The son’s desperation (Luke 15:15-16). The prodigal son soon learned what happens when one lives recklessly and self-indulgently.
He ran out off money and friends and his situation became quite desperate. He would have to be brought low
before he came to his senses. The young man took the most menial job possible in order to survive. Necessity
caused him to forgo personal desires in order to meet his critical needs.
He ran out off money and friends and his situation became quite desperate. He would have to be brought low
before he came to his senses. The young man took the most menial job possible in order to survive. Necessity
caused him to forgo personal desires in order to meet his critical needs.
He hired himself out to a Gentile pig farmer, thereby working for a foreigner and caring for animals that were
unclean to Jews. To add to his destitution, he became so hungry that he wanted to eat their food. He wanted to
eat “the husks, or the hulls of the leguminous plant, which in the East is the food of cattle and swine. It is known
that the poor in time of distress also relied upon these pods for nourishment. No one cared enough for the young
man to give him anything better” (Douglas, ed., New Commentary on the Whole Bible, Tyndale).
unclean to Jews. To add to his destitution, he became so hungry that he wanted to eat their food. He wanted to
eat “the husks, or the hulls of the leguminous plant, which in the East is the food of cattle and swine. It is known
that the poor in time of distress also relied upon these pods for nourishment. No one cared enough for the young
man to give him anything better” (Douglas, ed., New Commentary on the Whole Bible, Tyndale).
{To feed pigs was great humiliation for a Jewish young man, and to eat their food was complete degrada-tion.}
Q4 Did he actually eat this food? We cannot tell for sure. “He was fortunate. He found a job, but what a job
for a Jew! He fed pigs in a pigpen. Destitute of other resources, he longed to eat what he fed the pigs.
How repulsive for a law-abiding Jew. But he had no authority to eat pig food. So he fattened pigs and
starved himself” (Anders, ed., Holman New Testament Commentary, Broadman & Holman).
Remembering the analogy to this parable, we recognize that sometimes God allows people to reach rock bottom
in order to get them to look to Him. That is where this man was at this time. A life that was supposed to be
wonderful had turned out to be one huge disappointment.
Q4 Did he actually eat this food? We cannot tell for sure. “He was fortunate. He found a job, but what a job
for a Jew! He fed pigs in a pigpen. Destitute of other resources, he longed to eat what he fed the pigs.
How repulsive for a law-abiding Jew. But he had no authority to eat pig food. So he fattened pigs and
starved himself” (Anders, ed., Holman New Testament Commentary, Broadman & Holman).
Remembering the analogy to this parable, we recognize that sometimes God allows people to reach rock bottom
in order to get them to look to Him. That is where this man was at this time. A life that was supposed to be
wonderful had turned out to be one huge disappointment.
A RESTORED RELATIONSHIP
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to
spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had
compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to
be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand,
and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to
spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had
compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to
be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand,
and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
The son’s decision (Luke 15:17-19). {It was while sitting among the pigs that were better fed than he was that he finally came to
his senses and thought about home. He realized that what he had run from was far better than anything he had
found since.}Q5 This is a good testimony to the quality of homelife he had once enjoyed with his family. How
many parents wait and long for their child to come to a realization like this? Jesus’ story can be a means of
encouragement and hope for such parents.
his senses and thought about home. He realized that what he had run from was far better than anything he had
found since.}Q5 This is a good testimony to the quality of homelife he had once enjoyed with his family. How
many parents wait and long for their child to come to a realization like this? Jesus’ story can be a means of
encouragement and hope for such parents.
The young man’s greatest realization was that his father’s servants had it a whole lot better than he did right then.
He no longer had any money, he no longer had any dignity, he no longer had friends, and he no longer had a
familial relationship he could enjoy. He had severed all of that. Could he get any of it back? His only recourse
was to try. His experiences had taken away his pride and replaced it with genuine brokenness. He would make
his appeal by acknowledging that he no longer had any rights as a son.
He no longer had any money, he no longer had any dignity, he no longer had friends, and he no longer had a
familial relationship he could enjoy. He had severed all of that. Could he get any of it back? His only recourse
was to try. His experiences had taken away his pride and replaced it with genuine brokenness. He would make
his appeal by acknowledging that he no longer had any rights as a son.
If his father would allow it, he would return to his home, confess his sin, and ask to be allowed to live there as a
servant. That way he could at least have food regularly. He had reached the point where all he could hope for was
mercy. Note that he planned to admit his sin not only against his father, but also against God (“I have sinned
against heaven” [vs. 18]). This is a statement of his repentance, because he would go to the father with nothing
but an expression of his need.
servant. That way he could at least have food regularly. He had reached the point where all he could hope for was
mercy. Note that he planned to admit his sin not only against his father, but also against God (“I have sinned
against heaven” [vs. 18]). This is a statement of his repentance, because he would go to the father with nothing
but an expression of his need.
Why is it that for so many it takes a tragedy before they realize their need for God? Why do they go to God only
when they have “foxhole” prayers, in times of desperation? Perhaps what is even more crucial to ask, Why do so
many offer those prayers of desperation and then forget about them after God provides the deliverance? How
much better it is to know the love and mercy of God without having to experience such deep trials!
when they have “foxhole” prayers, in times of desperation? Perhaps what is even more crucial to ask, Why do so
many offer those prayers of desperation and then forget about them after God provides the deliverance? How
much better it is to know the love and mercy of God without having to experience such deep trials!
The son’s return (Luke 15:20-21). “Finally, his mind went to work again. Humans have the capacity to change. We do not have
to remain in the pigpen. We do not have to continue to live as sinners. We can become responsible for our lives.
We can quit our riotous living. We can come home” (Anders). {When the young man returned, the father’s
response was priceless! He had been watching every day for his son. When he saw him, his fatherly compassion
rose to the fore, and he ran to meet him.
to remain in the pigpen. We do not have to continue to live as sinners. We can become responsible for our lives.
We can quit our riotous living. We can come home” (Anders). {When the young man returned, the father’s
response was priceless! He had been watching every day for his son. When he saw him, his fatherly compassion
rose to the fore, and he ran to meet him.
The son was still a long way off when his father spotted him. His longing for his son’s return is fully evident in
his actions.}Q6 Imagine if he had not been watching in this manner and if the son had arrived at his door before
he knew he was anywhere around. {We cannot help noticing that the focus of attention has now changed from
the son to the father. Jesus made this shift on purpose in order to portray His Father as the loving God waiting
for the return of those He loves so dearly.}Q7
his actions.}Q6 Imagine if he had not been watching in this manner and if the son had arrived at his door before
he knew he was anywhere around. {We cannot help noticing that the focus of attention has now changed from
the son to the father. Jesus made this shift on purpose in order to portray His Father as the loving God waiting
for the return of those He loves so dearly.}Q7
The son began his rehearsed speech, but we soon see that it was ignored. The father heard it but chose to act
according to his own wishes.
according to his own wishes.
There are two perspectives about the parables in Luke 15. Some think they teach the restoration of a sinning
believer to fellowship with God. Others believe they teach the salvation of one who is lost. We should note the
key words here: the father said his son had been “dead” and was now “alive,” “lost” and now “found” (vs. 24).
Jesus was speaking to those who were rejecting His message and objecting to His association with sinners.
Such sinners needed more than restoration. The primary emphasis, therefore, seems to be salvation. The sheep,
coin, and son were all lost and sought by their owners (picturing God, the Creator). At the same time, we know
that God rejoices over every wandering child of His who returns to Him as much as He does over those who
are redeemed from their sinful conditions.
believer to fellowship with God. Others believe they teach the salvation of one who is lost. We should note the
key words here: the father said his son had been “dead” and was now “alive,” “lost” and now “found” (vs. 24).
Jesus was speaking to those who were rejecting His message and objecting to His association with sinners.
Such sinners needed more than restoration. The primary emphasis, therefore, seems to be salvation. The sheep,
coin, and son were all lost and sought by their owners (picturing God, the Creator). At the same time, we know
that God rejoices over every wandering child of His who returns to Him as much as He does over those who
are redeemed from their sinful conditions.
The father’s welcome (Luke 15:22-24). {Contrary to the son’s intent to be a hired servant, the father made him a full member of the
family again. He gave him a standing like that which he had previously, one that was full of privileges.}Q8
He had the best robe brought out and put on him, along with a ring, and sandals for his feet. Since hired servants
probably went barefoot, this was a clear indication that the father was receiving him back as his son and not as a
hired servant.
family again. He gave him a standing like that which he had previously, one that was full of privileges.}Q8
He had the best robe brought out and put on him, along with a ring, and sandals for his feet. Since hired servants
probably went barefoot, this was a clear indication that the father was receiving him back as his son and not as a
hired servant.
The fatted calf was reserved for a banquet of celebration, usually during one of the national feasts. The boy’s
return was cause enough for the father to celebrate. Did you notice that he was so eager for his son’s return that
he ran to meet him (vs. 20), something that no dignified man in that culture would do? {Since this father’s joy
is a reflection of God’s when someone comes back to Him, we need to reflect on these details.}Q9
“Everything the younger son had hoped to find in the far country, he discovered back home: clothes, jewelry,
friends, joyful celebration, love, and assurance for the future. . . . The father did not ask him to ‘earn’ his
forgiveness, because no amount of good works can save us from our sins (Eph 2:8-10; Titus 3:3-7). In the far
country, the prodigal learned the meaning of misery; but back home, he discovered the meaning of mercy”
(Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, Cook).
return was cause enough for the father to celebrate. Did you notice that he was so eager for his son’s return that
he ran to meet him (vs. 20), something that no dignified man in that culture would do? {Since this father’s joy
is a reflection of God’s when someone comes back to Him, we need to reflect on these details.}Q9
“Everything the younger son had hoped to find in the far country, he discovered back home: clothes, jewelry,
friends, joyful celebration, love, and assurance for the future. . . . The father did not ask him to ‘earn’ his
forgiveness, because no amount of good works can save us from our sins (Eph 2:8-10; Titus 3:3-7). In the far
country, the prodigal learned the meaning of misery; but back home, he discovered the meaning of mercy”
(Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, Cook).
{This father portrays our Heavenly Father in His love, kindness, grace, and mercy. If any one of us needs to
be reconciled to Him, we can be certain that He is waiting and watching and will never turn away someone
coming to Him.}Q10 For this young man, the return was just the beginning. From then on, his relationship
with his father would no doubt be full of blessings. So it is for every person who comes to our Father.
—Keith E. Eggert.
Union Gospel Press, Union Gospel Press. Bible Expositor and Illuminator (pp. 298-306).
Union Gospel Press. Kindle Edition.
be reconciled to Him, we can be certain that He is waiting and watching and will never turn away someone
coming to Him.}Q10 For this young man, the return was just the beginning. From then on, his relationship
with his father would no doubt be full of blessings. So it is for every person who comes to our Father.
—Keith E. Eggert.
Union Gospel Press, Union Gospel Press. Bible Expositor and Illuminator (pp. 298-306).
Union Gospel Press. Kindle Edition.
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