Bible Study: The Parables of Jesus Christ - The Meaning of The Parable of The Prodigal Son10/11/2015 Bible Study: The Parables of Jesus Christ - The Meaning of The Parable of The Prodigal SonIf you like this original Bible study, you can also check out my Patreon for more exclusive Bible studies, sermon notes, devotionals and eBooks that are not posted anywhere else. This is the Parable of the Prodigal Son: “Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me. ’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’ “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ” (Luke 15:11-32 NKJV) The Context of the Parable of the Prodigal Son: "Then drew near unto him all the tax collectors and sinners to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receives sinners, and eats with them." (Luke 15:1-2) Jesus spoke the parables recorded in Luke 15 as a response to the self-righteous comments that the Pharisees' and scribes' made, saying that Jesus associated Himself with sinners as if it was a bad thing. In the three parables which Jesus spoke, all three showed how God pursues and seeks out sinners to save. It is not that we seek to be saved, but that God in His love, seeks to save us! Hallelujah! The Merriam-Webster Dictionary's definition of the word "parable" is this: a usually short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle. So we must first understand that the characters in Jesus' Parable of the Prodigal Son are fictitious and not to be taken literally as though they are historical figures, but they represent other Persons/persons/beings which really do exist. In this parable... the father represents our Heavenly Father. The older son represents believers who have a servant-mentality and believe that they have to earn their own righteousness. The younger son represents us while we were still sinners and when we got saved by grace. Finally, the servants represents the angels of God. Alright, here we go! Let's begin to analyse the Parable of the Prodigal Son in a linear way.  In this parable...the father represents our Heavenly Father. The older son represents believers who have a servant-mentality and believe that they have to earn their own righteousness. The younger son represents us while we were still sinners and when we got saved by Grace. Finally, the servants represents the angels of God. 1) God wants to teach us lessons through referencing two different kinds of people! “Then He said: “A certain man had two sons.". 2) The younger son sinned against his father by demanding for the inheritance that was willed to him, while his father was still alive! This was extremely offensive behavior! The younger son then went on to live a sinful lifestyle in a Gentile country. The younger son represents all of us who have sinned greatly against our Heavenly Father (Romans 3:23), and depicts how we were influenced by the sinful practices of the world and trapped in our sinful lifestyles. "And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me. ’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living." 3) The younger son hit rock-bottom in his life. God does not abandon us in the deep valleys in our lives, but He often uses them as great opportunities to reconcile us back to Himself! (Psalms 23:4) "But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything." 4) The younger son did not really repent of his ways and of how he treated his father. He said the following words because he wanted to fill his stomach. He was motivated by the wrong reason. He also felt that his father would never forgive him for what he did, and was content if he could be accepted back into his father's house as a hired servant. He had a bad opinion of his father's love for him. "“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’"  His father ran towards him, not the other way around - this shows that he still loves and already forgave his son. God pursues us while we are still sinners, so that we can be brought back into right standing with him 5) His father ran towards him, not the other way around - this shows that he still loves his son and already forgave him. God pursues us while we are still sinners, so that we can be brought back into right standing with him (Romans 5:8)! Great news - even when we seek God for with our own ulterior motives, He wants to use it as an opportunity to save us! He is always looking for a reason to bless, help and save you! (2 Chronicles 16:9, Isaiah 30:18) His father did five actions: a) His father saw him, b) His father had compassion on him, c) His father ran towards him, d) His father fell on his neck, e) His father kissed him. Based on the Hebrew numbers, Five is the number of grace. God shows us grace even when we have failed Him! "“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him." 6) The father stopped his son before he could say "make me like one of your hired servants". God's heart for us is not to be hired servants to Him, but to be sons and daughters to Him (II Corinthians 6:18)! His father gave five commands to his servants: a) bring out the best robe and put it on him, - represents clothing us with robes of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). b) put a ring on his hand, - represents giving us the authority of the King of Kings (Daniel 2:37, I Timothy 6:15, Revelation 19:16) , in Jesus's name (Genesis 41:42, Daniel 6:17, Esther 8:8). c) put sandals on his feet, - represents Jesus, our Kinsman-Redeemer, redeeming us, as well as confirming the new covenant that we have with our Heavenly Father - the New Covenant of Grace. (Ruth 4:7) d) bring the fatted calf here and kill it, - represents God's generous provision and supply for us. Also represents that our sin debt has been paid - with the shedding of Jesus' blood, we are forgiven (Hebrews 10:14). e) let us eat and be merry, - represents the supernatural joy, peace and wholeness that God has given to us through the Holy Spirit inside us. Also represents us being granted access into Heaven, and also to be partakers of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Matthew 22:4, Revelation 19:9). Again, the number five which represents Grace appears. God shows how He treats us with His super-abounding Grace - He showers unmerited, unearned and undeserved favor upon us despite our failures. When we are born into this world, we are all automatically spiritually-dead in our sin, receiving the same sinful nature as Adam after he sinned (Colossians 2:13). The only Person who was born without sinful blood is Jesus because He received His blood directly from the Holy Spirit (I John 3:5). Our Heavenly Father loves to celebrate and see us being happy and joyful (Zephaniah 3:17). "And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry." 7) God loves music and dancing! He's not a stern, boring God at all (Psalms 40:3, Chronicles 13:7-8, Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19)! When we are angry, even when we are angry at God, He still loves us and wants to restore us. He is such a loving God (Romans 8:31-39)! The older son has a servant-mentality, despite him being a son. He feels as though he needs to earn his own righteousness. The older son represents believers who are saved by Grace but think that they need to justify themselves by obeying the Law. They adopt a demand-conscious attitude, trying to earn their blessings, instead of restfully-receiving the gift of God's Grace through faith. Such believers think that it is possible to perfectly obey the Law. This is self-righteousness, and it is great foolishness (Galatians 2:21)! As seen in the verses below, having a servant-mentality leads to competitiveness and comparison, resulting in jealousy. This stems from an insecurity about one's own righteous standing before God. We should celebrate and rejoice at other people's blessings and be happy for them! Whatever blessings that others have, we can have too, just by asking our Heavenly Father who freely gives good gifts to those who keep asking Him in faith (Matthew 7:7-11). We should adopt a sonship-mentality, knowing that we are forever secure, beloved and righteous in God's eyes (John 10:28) When we have a sonship-mentality, we will also have an abundance mindset, knowing that whatever belongs to our Heavenly Father also belongs to us who are in Christ! It is our birthright and inheritance as children of God (Romans 8:15-17)! "“Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ”” 
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This is the eBook version. If you prefer to get the Paperback version (physical copy), you can get it on Amazon here for US$15. About the Book: One day when I was singing praises to God, an image floated up in my spirit: a big and beautiful sandcastle being washed away by the waves from the sea. God was teaching me the futility of holding tightly onto worldly possessions because like the sandcastle, they won't last, and one day will cease to exist. He taught me from His word to focus on Him and by doing so, I would reap great eternal rewards before Jesus' throne at the start of the Millennium. These rewards will last forever and can't be destroyed or stolen. It is my prayer that the revelations in this book will help you to live with a focus on the things above where God is, fulfill your God-given calling in life, be happier and to accumulate more eternal rewards to your account. In this Book, you will learn about: - Heavenly investment advice and the futility of worldly pursuits from a trillionaire in the Bible - Why God has to reward us in order to be righteous - When and how God will destroy the current earth and sky to make way for new ones - The types of fireproof works that earn eternal rewards at the end of time - The abundant rewards of doing good works while abiding by the non-disclosure agreement between God and you - The difference between the temporary places of torment: Sheol and Abaddon - Who is the Antichrist and his name revealed in the Bible - What is the Mark of the Beast and why it disqualifies its recipients from receiving salvation - The different judgments at the throne of Jesus Christ and what it means for you as a believer - How to fulfill your calling and maximize your gifts to receive the best eternal rewards Testimonials about the contents of this book: "Sandcastles Don't Last Forever is very well written, its message loud and clear. Milton Goh gives common-sense insight on often confusing Scripture, which is much appreciated in these troubled times. My understanding of the Bible has definitely improved." - Mike Garrett, first Editor/ Publisher for Stephen King and Author of Christian Novel "Innocence Denied", from USA "This book is absolutely breathtaking. We don't work to be saved but were created to do good works. I am so energized and excited to know God values our works and we will be rewarded. This is all Glory to Jesus... I cant wait to throw my crowns at his feet and thank him for saving my life!" - Evangelist Michael Clark from USA "Dear Milton Goh, I truly thank our Abba, Father for the revelations in this book. It is so amazing how I begin to discover important verses in the Bible that I have never read. That instead of following riches, with sleepless nights, and actually shortening our lives, we are just to 'Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ', and 'Love one another'. How beautiful to find out that actually in the Bible there is both 'Earthly or Worldly Investment Wisdom' and 'Eternal Investment Wisdom' according to the revelations here from Ecclesiastes 5:14-17 WEB)!; “It seems like Solomon was not only wise at earning material riches but also at earning eternal riches.” All the glory to our Lord Jesus Christ! God bless you Milton Goh for such a wonderful book!" - Nitta Nierra from Belgium “Thank you Milton. I have just finished reading “Sandcastles Don’t Last Forever”. It’s such a good book that's filled with God's word. I love it very much. Might read again if I have the time. Thanks so much!” - Mally Chai from Singapore "I'm reading this book and loving it! The revelations of the Gospel truth shared and it's life applications are absolutely amazing! I give glory to the Lord Jesus for my dear brother Milton for this exceptional resource. I'm gonna keep feeding on its contents and believe God for supernatural breakthroughs as my mind is renewed in Christ!" - Terence from Tombel, Cameroon “Excellent book!! I enjoyed reading it so much and definitely recommend it! Milton is so gifted and all his teachings have blessed me tremendously! I thank God for people like him. Get this book, it will be worth it!” - Madeleine from SA, “Unmerited Favor” tier patron * The PDF file of this eBook will be sent to you via email manually after your purchase is confirmed. Look out for a separate email from the order confirmation email, within the next 24 hours. 
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Physical beauty, youth, health and fitness. So many of us desire these blessings that Jesus has and try all sorts of ways to attain them: plastic surgery, nutritional supplements, skincare products, exercise, dieting and more. I know one thing though - God’s word is much more powerful and effective - when the revelations in this book drop into your heart, you can’t help but become a more beautiful, younger, healthier and stronger version of you - it’s a transformation that everyone can see! Instead of spending thousands of dollars to buy beauty, health and strength, why not receive them supernaturally as a gift since Jesus' death on the cross has paid the price for you to have them! Take a peek at the Chapter Titles: Chapter 1: God Finds this Attractive Chapter 2: Will God bless me with Physical Beauty? Chapter 3: Jesus’ Body: A Masterpiece Knitted with Love Chapter 4: Is Suffering Death, Poverty and Sickness a Godly Way of Living? Chapter 5: Be Blessed as you Rest Chapter 6: Your Physical Body can be Renewed Chapter 7: The Best Surgeon Of All Chapter 8: Eat from the Tree of Life to be Healthy Chapter 9: Tame your Tongue to Remain in Health Chapter 10: Transformed through Mountaintop Fellowship with Abba Father Chapter 11: Moses’ Secret to Youth, Health and Strength at 120 Years Old Chapter 12: God’s Purpose in Keeping you Young Bonus gift included: An MP3 file of my "Eternal Youth Audio Declarations" sermon (approx. 10 mins long) which is full of youth renewal teachings and declarations to help you in your youth renewal journey. Listen to it as much as you wantand I believe it will help you have faith for youth renewal!  We should adopt a sonship-mentality, knowing that we are forever secure, beloved and righteous in God's eyes (John 10:28) When we have a sonship-mentality, we will also have an abundance mindset, knowing that whatever belongs to our Heavenly Father also belongs to us! It is our birthright and inheritance as children of God I hope that you have been blessed by reading this post on "Bible Study: The Parables of Jesus Christ - The Meaning of The Parable of The Prodigal Son". Do any of the suggested articles below interest you?
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32, from Singapore. I am married to a beautiful wife and have one adorable 9 year old daughter. I am a Christian writer/author and I blog on this website about Christian, Parenting and Lifestyle content. Thanks for reading!
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