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the prodigal son

Luke 15:11&12
"11 And He said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living."

Our Lenten devotionals explore Jesus’ parables. Yesterday we began the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), whose opening verses introduce three stories celebrating God’s joy over repentance: the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son.

Jesus drew tax collectors and sinners—people shunned by the religious elite—while Pharisees and scribes grumbled that sharing meals with them signaled approval, revealing their pride and preference for ritual purity over compassion. Jesus’ teaching unveils God’s heart for the lost.

In today's verses the younger son’s demand for his inheritance was shocking and deeply disrespectful. In Jewish culture, inheritance came after a parent’s death; requesting it early was like wishing the father dead. It showed brazen self-centeredness, valuing wealth and independence over family and the father’s life.

Yet the father grants the request, dividing his property. This reflects God’s grace: allowing free choice, even when it leads away from Him, with the patience of divine love that anticipates hardship ahead.

These verses set up the parable’s core lesson on repentance and forgiveness. The son represents sinners who chase fulfillment in the world, only to find emptiness apart from God.

We each respond to this story personally—as we should. But consider the original audience: How did the tax collectors and sinners hear it? Did they identify with the prodigal? How did the Pharisees and scribes react to the father’s generosity? Were they offended or disturbed? What do you think?
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