RPG Adults
PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON – THE HOMECOMING
LORD’S DAY, JUNE 21
Luke 15:11-32
Memory verse: Luke 15:18-19
“And am no more worthy
to be called thy son…”
PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON – THE HOMECOMING
Simply returning home was not the primary focus of the parable. The younger son had to return for the right reason so he would not repeat the same rebellious mistake. Many prodigal sons return home, but do not stay home for long. After a short stay, when things return to normal, they soon forget why they had left and returned the first time. This prodigal son had to experience a brokenness of spirit first before he could return home for good and not want to leave home again.
For that to happen, the younger son had to realise his foolishness and unworthiness in his father’s house. He could not return as a self-righteous son, which would bring pride and arrogance. His return had to be permanent and based on the right reason. He had to repent for the sins he had committed against his father.
Here, the father represents God. The prodigal son represents a sinner. Luke 15:18-19: “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.” He realised he had sinned against heaven (i.e. God) and his father. He admitted that he was not worthy of being called a son any more. He did not mind returning home, losing his birthright, and being relegated to being one of the hired servants, i.e. to serve for wages, which was up to the father to decide. In short, he acknowledged he had lost his right to call his father, father. By demanding the inheritance prematurely, he wanted the father dead. This was a grave sin. He prepared himself to return home with humility and a repentant heart. It was not to demand his right of sonship, but just to be allowed to come home.
True repentance is described here. It begins with a broken and a contrite heart. God used the external circumstances of his life to break him so that he might realise the grievous nature of his sin against God. In sincere repentance, he returned home.
THOUGHT: Have I returned home to God?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me understand that Christ’s salvation is returning home to Thee, my Father, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.