Originally published 2013 Updated 1/15/2020
Today we’re going to talk about a well-known parable, The Parable of the Prodigal Son. Let’s define a couple of words before we begin. The first word is “parable”. A parable is a story that illustrates lessons using human characters. It breaks down difficult ideas and makes them easier to understand. Parables also teach us about how people should act. Jesus often used parables to teach complex subjects in a simple way. A couple of other more famous parables were The Ten Virgins (Matt.2 5: 1-13) and the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).
The other word that we will define is “prodigal“. Prodigal refers to a wastefully extravagant spendthrift. He’s the big spender or the high roller. Prodigal is the man who will walk into a bar with his weekly paycheck and before he pays the rent or buys his baby’s milk, says, “Bartender, I’m paying for a set-up for everybody!” But a prodigal might also be that young woman who, when her parents send her to college with a credit card to pay for her books and dorm room, buys Gucci bags and 6-inch heels. A prodigal is a foolish and wasteful spender.
In our dear country of America, we are also foolish and wasteful spenders. Our national economy is set up to make us want more and buy more. There are some people who are on Welfare that will spend $300 to get their hair and nails “did”. They will spend $250 for a pair of Air Jordans for their child when he is wearing underwear full of holes. And if they can’t quite pull it together for Air Jordans, they will spend $100 for a pair of knock-offs named Bare Cordans that look like Air Jordans, when a good pair of $25.00 tennis would serve just fine. The child could also have decent underwear and a warm coat. We’re just prodigal or wasteful spenders. Of course, it is certainly not just the poor who are foolish spenders. Look at our actors and movie stars and their lavish and wasteful lifestyles. Look at the athletes who wind up with no money after 10 years of beating up their bodies. Foolishness. Some of that wasted money could better be spent towards getting souls into the Kingdom of God.
Let’s get back to our parable of the prodigal son. Most know the story well. Today we are going to look at the Seven Steps that he took as he went down into degradation and the seven steps that took him back up to Salvation. The first four steps down were Self-will, Selfishness, Separation, and Sensuality. These steps are taken directly from the Dake’s Annotated Study Bible and make the parable very easy to follow.
Luke 15: 11-13(KJV)
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.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
Our parable tells us there was a man who had two sons. His younger son decided that he wanted to take his “inheritance” now and go and do what he wanted with his life. First of all, he had no inheritance because his father was still alive. Who reads a will and divides the proceeds before the death of the testator? At any rate, the father listened to his son, the spoiled brat, and gave him all of his inheritance. Some people are still doing this kind of thing today. For example, If you know that your daughter is not responsible, why would you give her access to her entire years’ worth of college money the first week that she goes to school? If you know that your son is a drug addict, why would you give him a pocket full of money? You know he will kill himself on drugs. Kids need their parents to be strong.
Ephesians 6:10 (KJV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Well, the foolish prodigal took his money to go and find his fortune. But instead of investing his money and making it grow, he spent it in no time. Isn’t it amazing how quickly money will go when you are on a spending binge? Everybody will help you spend your money
So these are the first four of the seven steps that he took downward:
1. Self-will. He wanted to do things his way.
2. Selfishness. He didn’t care how his leaving the family affected everyone else. It was all about him.
3. Separation. He went into a far country. He wanted to get away from those who knew him. Everybody at home knew where his money came from, and he couldn’t be a Big Shot there, so he separated himself.
4. Sensuality. The fourth step down was sensuality. The word Sensuality means that an individual is focused more on physical pleasure rather than spiritual or moral concerns. Wild women and wild men took Prodigal on a wild ride. But where were those “friends” when the going got tough?
The next three steps show us the consequences of the prodigal son’s bad behavior. They are Spiritual destitution, Self-abasement, and Starvation. Luke 15:14 through 16 illustrate this point
Luke 15:14-16 (KJV)
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
Oh my, our high roller had two bad things happen at once. First, he found himself broke. He was totally out of money. That money fulfilled the saying, “Easy come, and easy go”. At the same time, a mighty famine hit the land, causing him to be in want. His situation was so serious now that he was in serious trouble. We never know what tomorrow is going to bring, so the high roller days need to stop. This applies not only to the individuals but to our government as well.
5. Spiritual Destitution. Destitution means to be in extreme poverty. It means to lack the very necessary means to live. The prodigal son is, of course, like the man or woman who has turned his or her back on God. Without the Lord, we can do nothing. Those who have turned their backs on God have no one to turn to. The Bible tells us that a backslider is like unto a dog that has returned to his own vomit. (Gross)
Proverbs 26:11 (KJV)
11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
6. Self-abasement. The prodigal son is still going down because verse 15 tells us that he stepped into self-abasement. The only job that the Prodigal son could find was working for a hog farmer. Ever been close to a pig pen? There’s a reason that the pigpen is way away from the big house. It stinks! Then in verse 16, the man hits rock bottom. He stepped into Starvation. He almost ate hog slop. (Double gross).
7. Starvation. Sometimes backsliders have to be allowed to hit rock bottom before they come to themselves. Parents who rush in to solve their children’s problems all of the time do not do them any favors. Sometimes they have to experience the negative consequences of their foolishness. If we allow the backslider to bump the bottom of life, perhaps they will look up and live. (Never stop praying for them, though.) Alright now. Prodigal has hit the bottom and there’s nowhere to go but up. The next four steps are Realization, Resolution, Repentance and Return. These steps are leading the Prodigal back to His father, and back to God.
Luke 15:17-20 (KJV)
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
8. Realization. You have to realize, backslider, once you’ve had your hand in God’s hand, nothing is going to satisfy you except God. You can’t run from Him and get away. Many backsliders are just too proud to give in to God, but you must. You’re just rowing around in a tight little circle and getting nowhere. God loves you and He wants you back. You know you’re tired of the world. Come home.
9. Resolution. The prodigal son remembered the life he used to have and who he used to be. Thank God that he came to himself. He resolved that he would return to his father. His resolution was that he would work for his father as a servant. All pride was gone at this point. He thought, “These people don’t love me, but my Dad does. And even if I have messed up so badly that he doesn’t want to own me, maybe he’ll give me a job. I need to eat. I want to live and not die.”
Backslider, why don’t you make up your mind to return to your Heavenly Father? You blew it. Yes, you messed up, but the Bible tells us that God will abundantly pardon you.
10. All you have to do is Repent or say you’re sorry and God will forgive you. So you committed adultery; so you got strung out; so you extorted money and went to prison. God does not care about your past, because He loves you. (It’s true that He hates your sin, but he loves you.) He wants your life back into the safety of His arms.
11. Just Return to the Lord like the Prodigal son did. Prodigal had a very big surprise when he got home. His father welcomed him with love and kisses. Prodigal did not expect that at all.
Luke 15:20-24 (KJV)
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
12, 13, 14. The last three steps in the restoration of the prodigal son and the backslider are Reconciliation, Re-clothing, and Rejoicing. The second half of the 20th verse says that Prodigal’s father had compassion on him, ran to him, and kissed him. Prodigal tried to give his Father his practiced speech about being willing to work as a servant of his father, but Prodigal was already forgiven. And backslider, you are already forgiven. You cannot activate that forgiveness, however, until you ask for it. Prodigal’s father put the best robe and shoes on him. He put a ring of love on his finger. He had a feast set up and he wanted everyone to celebrate with him. His son that was dead to him had returned. That return made him alive to this loving father again. If the Prodigal son had never gone home, he would never have been restored. (Besides, he might have been found dead of starvation or frozen to a fence post, but fortunately, that did not happen). Backslider, repent, be saved and live. There was great rejoicing in the home of the prodigal’s father. The Bible tells us that there will be great joy in heaven when you return to God.
Luke 15:7 (KJV)
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Backslider, you can come home again. Just don’t wait until it’s too late.
I do believe all the ideas you have offered in your post. They are very convincing and can certainly work. Still, the posts are very short for novices. May just you please prolong them a bit from next time? Thank you for the post:
BEN http://www.net-ict.be/
Howdy! This article couldn’t be written much better!
Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
He always kept preaching about this. I am going to forward this information to him.
Fairly certain he’s going to have a very good read. Many
thanks for sharing!
When is it too late for a backslider to come home though? Is it when a person loses the Holy Spirit?
8/7/2019 Hello Chris. My initial response to you concerned the grace and mercy of God and the fact that while there is breath in one’s body there is the chance that one can be saved. All of that is true. But in prayer this morning, God spoke to me about the true state of a backslider.
8/8/2019 I am writing a new post and when it is finished I will give you the best answer that I can. Meanwhile, if you are saved, hold on to your salvation with all that you have. Love God, pray, seek His face. Do all that you know to do to stay in close fellowship with Him. If you are a backslider (or know someone who is), run to God in humble submission and cry out to Him. Ask Him to save you again and to forgive you for leaving His protection, love, and grace. Salvation is far more precious than what many realize and no one should ever take it lightly.
Thanks for the study. God bless.
Hello Richard,
You should be able to receive all of my posts by signing up and following as an e-mail follower. This option is available on each post. I will add you as you requested.
Greetings in Jesus Name.
Thanks for your response.
Add me to you email list.
Hi I’m searching for the truth and i hv many questions but most important to me is after carefully reading the red letter bible the question arises and please if you don’t mind giving answer with references from the Bible as to where Jesus Christ peace be upon him himself says in an unambiguous statement that he is God and you should worship him furthermore what is your view of the Trinity as this has been thrown out of the latest version of the Bible as well as the begotten son it’s deemed as a fabrication and it too is removed from the Bible pls answer with references for my research in order to clear confusion
Hello Shaheem,
I am so sorry to hear that the Trinity has been thrown out of the latest version of the “bible” that you have, that “Jesus as the only begotten son is a fabrication and has been removed from the Bible”, and that it has left you confused. I receive your questions as sincere and declare it a shame that the devil has come up with some book that he is calling a bible and that it is attempting to confuse God’s people. Please remember that the devil was the original liar and he is still a lying wonder.
You have given me an opportunity to address questions that are at the core of Christianity. I will attempt to thoroughly research the questions raised and present my research in my next post on both my blog and podcast. I will also share my references with you and let you know which I found to be the most helpful.
Meanwhile, my short answer to you about what I believe concerning the Trinity is illustrated in my church beliefs. As you can see, the first three directly speak to your question. I just added the rest for free).
We Believe…
1. In the verbal inspiration of the Bible.
2. In one God eternally existing in three persons; namely, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
3. That Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of the Father, conceived of the Holy Ghost, and born of the virgin Mary. That Jesus was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead; that He ascended to heaven and is today at the right hand of the Father as the intercessor.
4. That all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and that repentance is commanded of God for all and necessary for forgiveness of sins.
5. That justification, regeneration, and the new birth are wrought by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.
6. In sanctification subsequent to the new birth, through faith in the blood of Christ; through the Word; and by the Holy Ghost.
7. Holiness to be God’s standard of living for His people.
8. In the baptism of the Holy Ghost subsequent to a clean heart. In speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance, and that it is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
9. In water baptism by immersion, and all who repent should be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
10. Divine healing is provided for all in the atonement.
11. In the Lord’s supper and washing of the Saints’ feet.
12. In the premillennial second coming of Jesus. First to resurrect the righteous dead and to catch away the living Saints to Him in the air. Second, to reign on the earth a thousand years.
13. In the bodily resurrection; eternal life for the righteous and eternal punishment for the wicked.
14. In dressing in modest apparel according to I Timothy 2:9-10 and I Corinthians 11:14-15; and also Deuteronomy 22:5.
My short answers to you:
1. I unequivocally believe in the concept of the Trinity, which is based on both Old and New Testament Scriptures.
2. Jesus Christ is indeed the only begotten Son of the true and living God. This is supported by the Word of God, our Heavenly Father; by Jesus Christ, and by the prophets in Scriptures throughout the Bible. I believe that anyone who does not believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and worthy to be served is not saved, is certainly not a Christian and is in danger of hellfire.
3. I am insulted that a “bible” has concocted such heresy and that it is not a true bible presenting the Word of Almighty God and should be thrown out. In my post I will suggest Bibles that I love.
These are my short answers. Give me a moment to research the scriptural support of our beliefs. I thank you so much for raising the questions that you present. I think all of Christendom will benefit from an analysis and careful presentation of what we believe concerning our Christ as a counter to what the devil is challenging us with. The Word of God is under attack, and In my next post I will present answers that hopefully will remove all confusion for Christian believers who receive the Bible as the final authority. Meanwhile, while awaiting on my next post here are some scriptures that you can read:
Matthew 3:16-17 (KJV)
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 28:19-20 King James Version (KJV)
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark 12:29 King James Version (KJV)
29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
John 1:14 King James Version (KJV)
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
2 Corinthians 13:14 King James Version (KJV)
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
May God Bless you.
youtu.be/zNbWZ6mBY2c
Shaheem,
This message was preached tonight (Sunday night, 2/08/2020) by my Pastor Apostle Herman L. Murray, Jr. He explained why Jesus deserves to be served in such a profound way! I believe that God used Him to answer all of your questions. My Pastor had no idea that you had questions about Jesus as Lord but God knew. I do plan to post on the Trinity and Jesus as the Son of God, but I believe after seeing this message your doubts will all be settled to the glory and honor of God. Be blessed and stay in touch with me and let me know what you think of this message that I believe that God sent to you.
These are the final conversations with Shaheem. He contacted me by e-mail rather than through comments
Alfreda: Shaheem, I believe that God was listening in on our conversation. Tonight at my church FGHT in Dallas, TX my Pastor preached a profound message. Listen to the entire service and get back to me.
Shaheem: Hi please if you don’t have the knowledge required to answer my questions which I feel are basic Christian faith answers that anybody should be able to answer but no one seems to be able to….if you can’t please refer my question to someone who can please
Alfreda: Have you listened to the message? Did you read the scriptures that I already gave you? I will search the scriptures to give you a comprehensive answer on the Trinity but the message answered all questions related to Jesus’ Lordship. Are you disagreeing or have you just not listened to the message? You can skip the testimonies and songs if you like. Just go to the message.
Shaheem: I hv listened and watched and checked the references. Sister may I ask do you possess a red lettered Bible? I’m asking for a reference where Jesus Christ himself says that he is GOD and we should worship him unambiguous statement please. You have not provided
Alfreda: OK Shaheem, It took me a moment because I accepted your questions as those of a sincere and honest seeker of truth. (Although I had doubts from the beginning of our discussion). John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus in Luke 7:18 if he was the one who was to come Jesus never answered him directly with a yes or no. His answer is found in Luke 7:22 “Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.” Jesus knew that John would understand because John knew the Old Testament and the Book of Isaiah which revealed the the signs by which the Messiah would come. Jesus very often spoke in parables. Why did He do that? Because it was a way of presenting real truth to those who wanted truth but hiding it from those who had a hidden agenda. Shaheem, what God has hidden from you I can not reveal.
If you are Spiritually unable to receive God’s (Father, Son and Holy Ghost’s) revelation of the truth, then I know the spirit that you are in. I am not here to debate the Scriptures, simply to present them. If you are looking for a reason NOT to see Christ as God, then go right ahead. For those who are searching for a real relationship with God and salvation through Christ the truth is revealed. But for those who are looking for a way to reject Christ the Truth is hidden. I do pray that you will find salvation through Christ. Jer. 29:13 says And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
I will pray for your eternal soul, but I will end this discussion at this point. It is my prayer that God will open your understanding and the True need of your heart and soul.
Shaheem: Ok I understand but please me seeking the truth is better than accepting blindly what you don’t ever fully believing in that truth. Having said that you as others are unable to answer me and I’m asking people of faith like yourself that has understanding of the scriptures not the layman u knw but alas same result it seems that Jesus I ever claimed devinity himself because the same verse quoted is mentioned elsewhere and Jesus clearly states it is not of himself but God’s will
Alfreda: Remember, The Father proclaimed that Jesus was His Son at His baptism
Matthew 3:16-17 King James Version (KJV)
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Also at the Transfiguration of Jesus in Matt. 17:5
5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
If God the Father said it, that is good enough for me. What about you?
Shaheem: Alfreda i want to be completely honest with you no one in your faith has given me this much information in my search for truth however it’s not wat I’ve asked you quoting words from people who came hundreds of years after Christ is of no use to me. I hv to concede that this will never be answered.
Alfreda: I have found Shaheem, that I cannot make the Scriptures say what I want them to say and certainly can’t make either God the Father, Son or Holy Ghost do what I want them to do. My answer is to pray and seek the face of God. This one thing that I know for sure. If I want an answer I must first be a worshipper of God because He that worships Him must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth according to John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
I know that He does not hear a sinner pray unless it is the prayer of repentance (and we are all sinners until Jesus redeems us with His precious blood). He will hear a worshipper’s prayer when it must first be the prayer of repentance. Words of repentance must convey that one recognizes himself as a sinner, that he is in need of salvation and that he accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Here is a sample prayer of repentance: (I can provide the words but the person must supply the meaning): Father, forgive me of all my sins. I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. If you will save me, Lord, I will live for you. That simple prayer then gets one’s name written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Then we must ask God for the power of the Holy Ghost to live according to God’s ordinances. We pray: Please fill me with the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost will then fill the individual with the power promised in Acts 1:8 which says: 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Then the individual can expect the presence of God to overshadow him/her and speak through the individual with the evidence of speaking in tongues according to Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; If you pray these words and mean them with all of your heart God (All three aspects) will manifest Himself to you and begin to mold you into who He wants you to be. The truth of the salvation power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will manifest itself to you and you will begin to know a love like none that you have ever known, a peace that surpasses understanding and a joy that is unspeakable. There is nothing like it Shaheem. Try it, I believe you will not be disappointed.
Shaheem I pray that you will receive this prayer from Me:
Dear Heavenly Father, I come before you now in prayer for my fellow traveler on earth, Shaheem. I do believe, Lord, that he is in search for truth and that he is reaching out in the only way that he knows how. Father, you rescued me, you directed my path and I know that you are no respecter of persons. I cry out to You now for the salvation of the soul of my brother Shaheem, Father. I ask that you will honor his desire to know who Jesus is and that you will speak to him concerning your Son. Open the eyes of his understanding and his ears to your Word. Increase his hunger and thirst after righteousness. I pray that you will come into his life and help his unbelief. Only you can give him the breakthrough that he is seeking. Manifest yourself in a real way. I believe that you hear my prayers, Father and that you will honor this simple prayer. In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus the Christ, my King of Kings and Lord of Lords I pray. Amen and Amen.
ShaheemAmen thank you Alfreda I however would like to say that God is supreme all hearing and all knowing so he hears all prayers might not answer non believers but def hear them. I must honestly say for an outsider or sinner as you label me it really is difficult to get straight answers from not only you btw many different pastors priests and scholars alike about the Bible. Why do over 200 of your faiths scholars of the highest eminence agree and prove there to be over 5000 mathematical scientific historical and geographical errors in the Bible both old and new testament so excuse someone from the outside wanting in but have questions that need answering or are you as a Christian not allowed questions about ur religion I’m not sure about that
Alfreda Shaheem,
First I would like to ask you what is your Faith? Are there any questions, ambiguities in your Faith? You appear to be well-versed in the questions related to my Faith, are there any issues related to yours?
Shaheem, there is enough information about the Bible that I don’t know to fill volumes. I will be the first to admit that. But that has not hindered me from getting a firm grip on Salvation. In those things that are most important, I know that I am growing every day. The important things such as following the pathway to Heaven, learning more about how to please the Lord, and how to help the lost get saved are the things that excite me the most.
Some people “strain at a gnat and swallow a camel”, so to speak. They are so busy being technically correct that they miss out on the grace and mercy that God provides. The gospel story is simple. God loves all men so He sent His Son to die for their sins. If you believe on the Lord Jesus and accept Him as your Savior salvation is yours. The gospel is so simple that even the least are able to receive it. One does not need a doctorate to be saved, Thank God. But, believe it or not, many will miss out because they perceive the gospel to be too simple. They miss the heart of the message that it holds. You know about the Scribes and Pharisees in the New Testament, right?
One of the things that I refuse to do is debate the Scriptures. If a person is looking for the way to be saved, I’m all in. Otherwise, I feel that debate is a waste of the person’s time as well as my own. The Bible tells us in 1 Cor. 13:12, For now, we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. I walk in the light that I have today and believe that the Lord will supply the understanding that I need for tomorrow.
Am I correct in assuming that you have made something of a “hobby” in quizzing people, probably more knowledgeable than myself, under the guise of seeking truth? If you really want in, follow the prayer of repentance, get into the ark of safety, then spend the rest of your days serving the Lord and searching the Scriptures. Please tell me if I am wrong. If that be the case, let me know and I will bow out and allow you to move on to the next person. God bless.