“THE PRODIGAL SON Luke 15:11-32

In the New Testament, there is a parable entitled “the lost son”. In this passage we begin to learn and understand the compassion and care that the Father feels for us, his sheep. We also get insight on the awakening that happens with the son. The parable of “the lost son” was written in the book of Luke. Although we don’t officially know who wrote this book it is believed to have been written by Luke which was a friend and close follower of Paul. The book of Luke gives us different details on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Included are numerous places he traveled and parables he used in which to get a lesson learned. It is also believed that Luke was written in the latter part of the first century, somewhere around Ephesus or Smyrna. This is important because it allows us to know the culture and geographical location in which Luke may have been influenced by in his writings and or interpretations of the teachings. There are a couple of words that are significant in this particular passage. These are lost and found. The denotation of the word lost is no longer in possession of; or the one I like to use is beyond reach, communication, or influence. This is important because it makes us aware of the state in which his son had been in for the last few years. The other is found, and its meaning is to bring into being, set up or awareness that was made. It starts off to say that there was a younger son who seemed to be a little anxious and didn’t necessary want to wait for what was coming to him he seem to want his reward right away. I’m sure we can somewhat relate to this. I feel that we as people often times want to dictate the timeline in which we want events to happen and when they don’t seem to happen like that for us then we just cash out if you will or give up. Not having the patience to wait and possibly enjoy the full reward that may have been given. There is also a great example here of sometimes what happens, even though undeserving blessings are given to us, and for numerous reasons we find a way to squander it all away. In our squandering this I would have to say would be our lost period, because we have lost communication and connection to the source of the blessings which takes you out of line to receive more. Then the picture of God the Father comes into play. Once we his children, or the son here, comes to the realization that he is lost and out of connection comes back to his father with repentance in his heart it is showed to us the extent of his grace and mercy and the forgiveness he has for his children. Although the thought or mind frame of the son was if I could just get some leftovers from my father’s servants I would have more than I have now, his father’s mind frame was not only to receive his son back but to make him feel more welcome than when he left. This today is how God the Father feels about us, although he knows that we are undeserving he bestows upon us blessings thoroughly, and knowing as well that we won’t all the time do exactly what is expected of us, he is always waiting with open arms to receive you back into good standings with him, forgive your transgressions and bless you even more than when you messed up. If there was an example that we could follow from this passage I feel it would first be, since we should thrive to be in Gods image we should first start with trying to be as forgiven as possible in all situations. And secondly although it’s not great to get lost or caught more so up with the things that are going on around you that you lose communication or connection with your father, it is much worse to stay that way.

In my life I feel that I sometimes get lost daily, with the cares and frustrations of life in general, but I because I have an understanding of this passage I know that once I come to the realization of my mistake or short coming that he is right there waiting to accept me back into his arms and get me back on track. In closing I pray that we can all take something away from this great parable, whether it is working on forgiveness as his brother needed to and his father did, or just realizing that we may all become lost in our own ways, but there is direction and clarity in your heavenly father and finding that path.

References “The Holy Bible” , (Luke chapter, 15)