Dead But Alive, Lost But Found

DEAD BUT ALIVE, LOST BUT FOUND
TEXT: Luke 15:11-32

SUMMARY: This passage, understood in the context of the two parables that come before it, presents by two contrasting portraits the proper disposition of those who would be reconciled to God.

I. THE PORTRAIT OF THE YOUNGER BROTHER vv. 11-24.
A. Challenges of Interpretation.

1. Various Interpretations. (#1 and #2 are valid.)

#1. He represents the publicans & sinners of Israel, in contrast to the scribes & Pharisees, represented by the older brother.
#2. He represents the gentiles in contrast to the Jews, who are represented by the older brother.
#3 He represents a true believer in a backslidden condition (a common modern interpretation).

2. The prodigal son cannot be #3 above because…
   -Jesus was being accused of receiving sinners and eating with the thus, "in this parable the Lord is not warning His disciples against the danger of backsliding, but is vindicating Himself for 'receiving sinners.'" (AW Pink)
   -The parable was given in the context of the two preceding parables, the first about a man going after a lost sheep until he finds it; the second about a woman who loses a piece of silver, and seeks diligently until she finds it. If there is no doubt that the lost sheep & coin represent lost humanity, then it seems there is no doubt here about the son who was lost & then found.

B. The Picture of the Prodigal, vv. 12-24.

1. A picture of lost humanity., vv. 12-16.
2. A picture of redemption., vv. 17-24.

II. THE PORTRAIT OF THE OLDER BROTHER, vv. 25-32.
A. The Character of the Older Brother, vv. 25-30.
-He complains that the younger son's return is celebrated:
-He self-righteously boasts about his