The Prodigal

The parable of the Prodigal has inspired many great works.  Charles Dickens described it as the greatest short story ever written.  William Shakespeare borrowed plot points adapting them in The Merchant of Venice and Henry IV.  Hank Williams even recorded "The Prodigal Son" telling the story of joy in coming home.

Throughout the parables in Luke 15, Jesus continually reaffirms the main point: There is Joy in Heaven over one sinner who repents.

In each of the parable in Luke 15 (The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, & The Prodigal (or Lost) Son) we see similar plots: Something is Lost, Active Searching for the Lost Item, and Celebration when the Lost item is Found.

Jesus told these parables to strike at the hearts of those listening.  His audience would have been caught up in the story line and detail that Christ provided.  Insults, Betrayal, Hatred, Greed, and Abandonment: these were the attitudes conveyed by the younger son in Jesus' story.  Oh, in this crowd of sinners there were some who might have inwardly identified with this young man.  Of course, he was the brunt of hostility from the religious elite who were also listening to Christ's parable.

We are all familiar with how the story goes; or at least we think we know, but take a moment and really listen to the story with fresh eyes.

For the full message shared on 03-17-13 at First Church of God, Racine, WI; go to:The Third Parable - The Prodigal