Parable of the Prodigal Son - Bible Story
Stephen Baker
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The Prodigal Son
11 And He said, "A man had two sons.
12
"The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me 1the share of the estate that falls to me.' So he divided his 2wealth between them.
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"And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living.
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"Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished.
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"So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
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"And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him.
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"But when he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!
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'I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight;
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I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men."'
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"So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and 3embraced * * him and kissed him.
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"And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
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"But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly bring out 4the best robe and put it on him, and 5put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;
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and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate;
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for this son of mine was 6dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.' And they began to celebrate.
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"Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.
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"And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what * these things could be.
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"And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.'
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"But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him.
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"But he answered and said to his father, 'Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends;
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but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your 7wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.'
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"And he said to him, 'Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours.
Luke 15:11-32 Study Resources
Sermons
Lost and Found
Stuart and Jill Briscoe
A parable is defined as an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. And the parable of the prodigal son found in Luke 15 may be one of the most famous parables in Scripture. The story of the prodigal son is about God losing something very precious and sending His son, Jesus, to get it back. This is God’s world, and He wants it back!
Biblical Forgiveness
Raul Ries
Pointing to the parable of a prodigal son welcomed back by his father, Pastor Raul will show you that no matter what mistakes are in your past, God’s grace can reset your future. Learn more on Somebody Loves You with Pastor Raul Ries.
Parable Of The Prodigal - 3C
Jack Hibbs
Today, Pastor Jack teaches that the older son in this parable was angry that his younger brother was restored. He didn’t realize his behavior was just as rebellious, refusing to defend his father’s love and mercy towards his youngest.
We Are All Needy
Father Tom DiLorenzo
In this episode, broadcast on WROL Radio on March 24, 2025, Fr. Tom DiLorenzo is joined by fellow evangelist, Anthony Correnti. They read from and comment upon the gospel of Luke, chapter 15, verses 11-32.
When You've Done Someone Wrong, Part 2
Paul Sheppard
How to come to terms with and properly acknowledge the sins we’ve committed against others; based on Lk. 15:11-32 and other passages. CLICK HERE to ORDER this 2-part series on MP3!
Coming Back to Our Heavenly Father: Father Matters I
Inseong J Kim
Many of us who are called "bayboomers" are experiencing awakening from our youth and the wisdom from God through our experiences. Every generation lays a foundation for the next generation. We work hard to help our next generation (our children) live a better life than us. That is our natural father's heart. When we come back HOME where our Heavenly Father is, our family comes back home. We want to welcome our guest who is a pioneer in the issue of father in our generation. Vance Simms is Founder and Executive Director of Father Matters. Father Matters is an organization where fathers can be mentored by other fathers or fathers can mentor other fathers. Please visit their website www.fathermatters.org.
Cross References 8
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1.
Deuteronomy 21:17 -
2.
Mark 12:44 ;Luke 15:30 -
3.
Genesis 45:14 ;Genesis 46:29 ;Acts 20:37 -
4.
Zechariah 3:4 ;Revelation 6:11 -
5.
Genesis 41:42 -
6.
Matthew 8:22 ;Luke 9:60 ;Luke 15:32 ;Romans 11:15 ;Ephesians 2:1, 5 ;Ephesians 5:14 ;Colossians 2:13 ;1 Timothy 5:6 -
7.
Proverbs 29:3 ;Luke 15:12 -
8.
Luke 15:24
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org
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