READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l According to the dictionary, Prodigal can mean recklessly extravagant, very generous or lavishly abundant. This famous parable is not only about two sons, but also sheds spotlight upon the prodigal Father who lavishes extravagant love and abundant grace upon his wayward son.
There were two main groups of people who had come to listen to Jesus. There were the tax collectors and sinners, (representing the younger son) and the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. (the older son). The Father here represents God. We can look at this story as a drama in three parts.
Act 1-Scene 1. The Younger Son’s Rebellion
The younger son rebelliously asked for his share of the estate. He was entitled to one third because he was the younger son and the rest would go to his brother. It was uncharitable as it was as good as wishing his father dead. He then proceeded to squander his wealth by extravagant living which is why he is known as the prodigal son. Finally, the good times came to an end and he had to face the consequences of his sin. We cannot run away from sin. He was literally at rock bottom feeding pigs which was a low and dishonourable job! He was so hungry he even wanted to eat the pig’s food!
Act 1-Scene 2. From Rebellion to Repentance.
The Bible tells us that he came to his senses (V17). He began to see that he had done wrong. A discipleship lesson here is that for repentance to take place we have to acknowledge our own sinful behaviour. He prepared himself to make some kind of restitution. He decided to return to his father, apologise, give up his privilege of son-ship and settle to be a paid servant instead. We too sometimes relate to God as if he was our boss rather than our Father. We see ourselves as slaves not beloved children.
Act 2 -The Elder Son’s Resentment
Here we see the true heart of the elder son. He harboured resentment towards his brother’s restoration. He represented the self-righteous leaders of the day who believed careful observance of all the laws would win them favour with God. He was furious that his father had so magnanimously welcomed his errant brother back into the family.
He too behaved disgracefully. He lashed out at his father complaining in a very disrespectful way. He announced the sins of his brother but could not see his own sin. Primarily the Pharisees and scribes were concerned with outward sin and they did not examine their attitudes or motives. The older son too was lost because he was not in close relationship with his father although he had never left his side. Another discipleship lesson is that we too can be in close proximity to God but not be in an intimate relationship with him. We can be busy for God but not enjoying just being with God!
Act 3 – Scene 1 The Father’s Rejoicing.
Jesus was often criticised for socialising with sinners. Here we see that was exactly what the Father did. He showed compassionate extravagant love to his sinful son. He watched the horizon for him, then picked up his robes and literally ran to meet him. An older person would never run in that culture, least of all run to a son who had shamed him. He hugged him, kissed him, forgave him unconditionally and prepared a feast to celebrate his return. Likewise, God is delighted in us not only because we serve Him, but just because we are His beloved child. He calls us back to Him. Let’s receive His embrace and extravagant love. This is what the gospel is about… that God seeks the lost and rejoices when they return to Him. To the lost Jesus says; “I am the Way”. To the ignorant He says; “I am the truth”. To those that feel dead He says; “I am the life”.
Acts 3-Scene 2 The father is gracious to the older son too and left the feast to plead with his elder son. He did not reprimand him.
The Bible never tells us the conclusion to this story and what happened next. There is actually an Act 4 which is “Our Response”. What matters is what do we do now. Who do we identify with? How will we relate to Our Father now? Will we recognise and accept the extravagant love of the Father?
(Sermon notes by Frances Lim)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What are your key take away lessons?
- Out of the three characters, the Younger Son, Elder Son and the Father. Who do you identify with more and why?
- Reflect on how the Younger Son “came to himself”. Is there a time where you came to yourself to recognise your need, and begun a return to God?
- When have you experienced such compassion, acceptance, and forgiveness (whether you were far from God in a way more like that of the younger or the elder son)? How did you respond?
- How do you think you would have responded to the return of the younger son? Where do you believe that you are growing in your ability to love and forgive, or where do you still struggle to forgive others?
