2. The Pearl of
The Parables
Luke 15

3. The Setting Grumbling (Lk. 5:27- 30; 7:34) Why?
What the Pharisees and scribes would not do
“So He told them this parable”
The Setting

4. The Setting Not about: Responsible shepherding Proper housekeeping
Good parenting skills
The Setting

5. The sheep would know it was lost, but did not know its way back
The coin did not know it was lost, and, of course, will not know its way back
The younger son knows he is lost and knows the way back
The older son does not know he is lost and that he needs to turn back

6. The return of the sheep, the coin, and the younger son was fervently desired and were all received with rejoicing

7. The Younger Son Makes a bad decision (11- 13a)
Reaps what he has sown (13b-16)
Makes a good decision (17-21)
Comes to his senses
I’m the one who is wrong
The
Younger
Son

8. God gives opportunity to repent (2 Cor. 7:10; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Jn. 1:9) 

9. The Father A welcome, joyous reception (20, 22-24)
He does not berate or beat him over the head because of his actions
The
Father

10. The Older Son Unaware of his brother’s return, but finds out
He becomes angry (28)
His self-serving explanation reveals his sense of superiority (cf. Luke 18:9-14)
The
Older
Son

11. Note: How about those ones to whom this is addressed?
What is the lesson to be learned here?
It is about mercy and forgiveness
God has matchless love for man (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8)
He is rich in mercy (Eph. 2:4)
He is willing to forgive (Eph. 1:7)
Micah 7:18-20