Scripture to Read: Luke 15:11–12
Jesus loved using parables to teach biblical truth. This week, we examine Luke 15:11–32, the parable better known as “The Prodigal Son.” We read in Luke 15:11–12, “And He said, A man had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ So he divided his wealth between them.” Jesus started by letting us know that there were two sons. The younger son came to his father and asked for his inheritance. In that day and time, the inheritance was almost always given to the family at death. So, when the younger son asked his father for his share during his father’s lifetime, it showed incredible selfishness, impatience, and a complete rejection of his father’s authority in his life and the status of the father as the head of the home. The younger son was choosing to sever all ties with his father and his family. The younger son was unwilling to wait for his inheritance, revealing his total disrespect for his father. It’s not just the fact that he wanted the money, but he asked for it in a way that told his father that he was dead to him and that he was done with him and the rest of the family. The love of the father is first revealed in Luke 15:12, “So he divided his wealth between them.” The father did not plead with him to stay nor did he scold him. He gave his son what he wanted. God would use this to teach him.
Challenge & Application
What are some of the ungodly characteristics you see in the younger son, and why are they ungodly?
How do you see the father’s love expressed for his son, and do you see our Heavenly Father’s love expressed for you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!