Prodigal Father – Luke 15:11-32

As Jesus healed, performed miracles and showed passion and love His popularity became an issue, a threat to the Pharisees and scribes.

Jesus broke their rules and when confronted defended himself flawlessly. There must be a way they could rid themselves of this rival to their leadership and status. As Luke writes, “the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say.” Luke 11:53-54

When tax collectors and sinners came to hear and be with Jesus the Pharisees and scribes grumbled, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:2 How did Jesus respond? Sparked by this venomous criticism, Jesus told a parable of a father recklessly showing love and compassion to his two sons.

Question: What does prodigal mean?

Answer: Prodigal means spending money or resources freely and recklessly. It is having or giving something on a lavish scale.