Theory question 104
Parables of JesusSection B (Themes from the Four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles)
Narrate the parable of the prodigal son. State how the action of the father illustrates the nature of God.
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A man had two sons; the younger asked for his share of the property, and the father divided it (Luke 15:11-12).
The younger son went to a far country and squandered it in loose living (Luke 15:13).
A famine came; he became a swineherd and longed to eat the pods the pigs ate (Luke 15:14-16).
He came to himself, remembered his father's servants had plenty, and decided to return and confess his sin, asking to be a hired servant (Luke 15:17-19).
While he was far off, his father saw him, had compassion, ran, embraced and kissed him (Luke 15:20).
The son confessed; the father called for the best robe, a ring, shoes and the fatted calf for a feast: "this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found" (Luke 15:21-24).
The elder son was angry and would not go in; the father entreated him and said all he had was his, but it was right to celebrate (Luke 15:25-32).
Nature of God: loving and compassionate; patient, allowing free will; forgiving the repentant fully; eager to welcome sinners back; restores dignity to the sinner; rejoices over repentance; loves both the obedient and the lost.
Tell the full parable, then link each action of the father to God.