Prodigus—_________________; Prodigere—to drive _________ or waste
1 All the tax collectors and sinners were coming to Jesus to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law were complaining, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 He told them this parable: (Lk 15:1–3)
And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” (Lk 15:2, ESV)
The people grumbled against Moses, and they said, “What will we drink?” (Ex 15:24)
The entire Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. (Ex 16:2)
and in the morning you will see the Glory of the LORD, because he has heard your constant grumbling against the LORD. Who are we that you should grumble against us?” (Ex 16:7)
But the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘See, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her actions. (Mt 11:19)
Then he calls together his friends and his neighbors, telling them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!’ (Lk 15:6)
And when she finds it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found the lost coin.’ (Lk 15:9)
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick, bring out the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us eat and celebrate (Lk 15:22–23)
What was the _________________ relationship to the _______________ son?
11 Jesus said, “A certain man had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all that he had and traveled to a distant country. (Lk 15:11–13a)
Sirach: To son or wife, to brother or friend, do not give power over yourself, as long as you live; and do not give your property to another, in case you change your mind and must ask for it. While you are still alive and have breath in you, do not let anyone take your place. For it is better that your children should ask from you than that you should look to the hand of your children. Excel in all that you do; bring no stain upon your honor. At the time when you end the days of your life, in the hour of death, distribute your inheritance.
The process of disposing of the estate would have been difficult in a community that was completely opposed to the prodigal’s request and shocked at the father’s consent. The prodigal would have to cut a quick deal with someone unscrupulous … The community would watch him try to dispose of his inheritance, and “as he goes from one prospective buyer to another, the intensity of the community hatred and disgust mounts. At every turn he is greeted with amazement, horror, and rejection.”
Brother Stores:
Cain and Abel.
Ishmael and Isaac.
Esau and Jacob.
Judah, Joseph, and their older brothers.
Manasseh and Ephraim.
Aaron and Moses.
David and his older brothers.
Solomon and his older brothers.
Where we are in the story:
Two _________ connect this parable to multiple younger/older _________________ stories in the Old Testament.
The father acted contrary to every _____________ and ___________ norm of the day.
The older brother probably received his _______ and the younger his _______ share of his father’s property.
The younger son's actions conveyed the _______________________ message, "Dad, I wish you were _________."
13b There he wasted his wealth with reckless living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 He went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 He would have liked to fill his stomach with the carob pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. (Lk 15:13b–16)
The Greek word ἀσώτως translated “reckless” refers to senseless, reckless behavior. The word seems to be _______________ with respect to morality or immorality.
Indeed, God’s wrath is being revealed from heaven against all the ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who try to suppress the truth by unrighteousness. (Ro 1:18)
And since they did not consider it worthwhile to hold on to the true knowledge of God, God handed them over to a corrupted mind to do things that should never be done. (Ro 1:28)
Points to Ponder
What is one thing that stood out to you from this week's message?
What is something you learned that has affected your understanding of this parable? How has that help you better understand what Jesus is teaching?
