0293. The Prodigal Son

The Prodigal Son

There are different ways of treating this wonderful parable.

First of all there is the dispensational lesson. This is the primary truth. Treating the lesson thus, the prodigal son is a type of the publicans and sinners, the Jewish common people, held in more or less contempt by the scribes and Pharisees. The elder son, of the parable, is a type of these scribes and Pharisees.

Secondly, there is a just use of the parable in making the prodigal son type the one away from God–the backslider, or even the sinner. However, in doing this it is well to only draw spiritual lessons and not press the teaching too far. This kind of an application of the parable must not be pressed to teach any truth that is not fully established by other definite Scriptures.

We have treated the lesson in the second sense, because we see in the story of the prodigal son great possibilities in warning young men and women who are drifting away from God. The parable also shows God’s readiness to forgive us when we truly repent. The lesson, as we have treated it, has more to do with backsliders than with those who have never been saved. The prodigal son does not perfectly type the sinner, because the sinner is not a son, wandering away from God and home; and the sinner is not saved by coming home and confessing his sins. A sinner is saved by acknowledging himself a sinner and by receiving Christ as a Saviour.

This much by way of explanation. In opening the lesson, it might be well to show that the occasion of the parable was the slur of the scribes: "This Man receiveth sinners and eateth with them." See Luk_16:3.

Christ is using the parable to show why He receives the common people, and at the same time He is showing the attitude of the Pharisees toward His love for backsliding Israel.

It is also important to note that the parable includes not only the story of the prodigal son, but also of the lost sheep and of the lost coin.

1. The first part of the parable shows Christ, the Good Shepherd, suffering for the sheep that had wandered away. The ninety and nine in the pasture at home, type the Pharisees, who boasted their righteousness.

2. The second part of the parable shows the true Israel, with the lighted candle, (the Spirit) searching for the coin, and rejoicing when it is found.

3. The third part of the parable shows the great heart of God, the Father, toward the publicans, the sinners of Israel, as He waits to welcome them back to His heart.

In all of this there was doubtless a far-away lesson of the time of Christ’s return and of Israel’s repentance, and coming home, and full forgiveness and restoration.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR