Return of the Prodigal

Luke 15:11-20

Introduction

1.      Jesus’ remarkable knowledge of people, how they think, how they are motivated, comes out in the stories that he tells

2.      The story of the prodigal son gives hope to everyone who has turned their back on responsibility and then wants to “come back”

3.      The story of the prodigal stands as a testimony that “running away” does not solve one’s problems  

Discussion

1.      Why did he leave his family?

a.       Perhaps he was bored with life on the farm  

b.      Perhaps it was the allure of the far country, or he had heard reports that enticed him  

c.       Perhaps he wanted to hurt his father  

d.      Perhaps he could not stand his older brother  

e.       The reasons pale in importance to the fact that he chose to leave  

2.      Why did he return?

a.       He had found the pleasures of sin to be short-lived (Heb 11:25)  

b.      He became painfully aware of his pitiable condition – vs 16  

c.       He came to his senses and realized that HE needed to change – vs 17 (2 Cor 7:10)  

d.      He recognized the truth that life was much better where he had come from than where he was  

e.       He hoped for the forgiveness and limited acceptance of the father whom he had wronged  

3.      How was he received?

a.       His father ran to meet him – vs 20  

b.      He was given much more than he asked – vs 22-24  

c.       The older brother sulked and was angry – vs 28  

Conclusion

1.       As in the story of Zacchaeus, the story of the prodigal illustrates the principle that money cannot solve one’s problems

2.      The story also illustrates the principle that running away does not solve problems

3.      The story illustrates that the allurement of the “far country” cannot bring permanent happiness

4.      The story teaches us that God stands ready to accept all who will “come home” to Him