32: The Parables of the Lost: The Sheep, the Coin, and the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1–32)

These parables reveal the Father's heart for His lost children. Notice that they belonged to Him before they were lost.

👉 Read Luke 15:1-32

Q1. In this chapter, Jesus responded to the Pharisees' complaint with three parables. Why did the Pharisees complain about Jesus?

ANS: Jesus welcomed tax collectors and sinners.

Do you and your church welcome the homeless and the poor?

Q2. The first two parables (vv. 3–10) proclaim this message: "There will be more joy in heaven over (   ) sinner who repents than over (    ) righteous people who do not need to repent." In both parables, the owners lost something and later found it. Their reactions are similar. What were their reactions? (Notice the expressions that show how diligently they searched for the lost and how greatly they rejoiced when they found it.)

One, ninety nine.

The owners' reaction when it was lost (vv. 4 & 8): They searched diligently for the one that was missing.

The owners' reaction when it was found (vv. 5–6 & 9): They rejoiced and invited others to celebrate with them.

Do we sweep the streets and knock on every neighbor's door to search for God's lost children?

Q3. Which verses and expressions in verses 11–24 illustrate the repentant heart of the younger son? How did his heart change compared to verse 12?

He took the inheritance he would receive for granted ↔ "I am no longer worthy to be called your son."

Q4. When did he decide to return to his father's house?

During a severe famine, when he realized that even his father's servants were living better than he was.

Q5. Which part of the older son's words (v. 29) shows the opposite of his brother's repentant heart?

He boasted about his loyalty to his father's house. He took his father's praise and acceptance for granted.

Q6. Verse 31 would not have comforted the disappointed older son. Why do you think the older son failed to realize that everything his father had was already his?

The older son did not understand his father's heart for his lost son or the joy of having his son return. He viewed his father as a master who recognized him only when he worked hard like a servant. That is why he complained that his father seemed to show greater favor to his younger brother.

He did not realize that simply living in his father's house was the greatest blessing.

The father held a feast not because the younger son deserved it, but because he was overjoyed that his son had returned. The older son, however, saw the feast as a reward. Such misunderstanding happens when we think of everything God gives as rewards or punishments.

The older son could have invited his friends to celebrate at any time because everything his father had was already his. But he never did, because he did not trust his father's goodness. He failed to enjoy what was already his.

The younger son was lost physically and returned to his father. The older son remained with his father physically, but his heart was far from his father. Therefore, he failed to enjoy the blessing of being with his father.

Do I seek the pleasures of the world by leaving the Father's house? Notice that the younger son left in search of success and pleasure, not because he lacked food. Yet he eventually found himself searching for food. Seeking more than our daily needs can easily lead us away from the Father.

Know the Father's heart for the lost. See how diligently He searches for those who are missing. See His great joy when they are found.

This chapter begins with the Pharisees' complaint and ends with the older son's resentment. Both failed to understand the Father's heart for the lost and His joy over their return. Surely, the Father rejoiced when the tax collectors and sinners came to Jesus.