Luke 15:11 – “Jesus continued: ‘There was a man who had two sons.'”
Extended Explanation
This verse is the opening statement of one of the most well-known parables in the Bible—the parable of the prodigal son. Jesus introduces the parable by drawing attention to a family dynamic: a father and his two sons. While this opening seems simple, it sets the stage for a powerful story about rebellion, repentance, forgiveness, and restoration.
The two sons in this parable represent two very different responses to the father’s love. As the story unfolds, the younger son will choose rebellion and selfishness, while the older son will struggle with pride and resentment. The father, however, is the central figure, demonstrating unconditional love and grace. Through this parable, Jesus is teaching a lesson not only about repentance but also about the extravagant love of God.
Historical Context
Family structure was incredibly important in first-century Jewish culture. Fathers held significant authority, and sons were expected to honor them, obey their instructions, and carry on the family’s legacy. Inheritance laws typically granted a double portion to the eldest son, with the remaining property divided among the younger sons. Asking for an inheritance before the father’s death, as the younger son will do later, was considered deeply disrespectful and shameful.
The relationship between fathers and sons in ancient Jewish society was supposed to reflect honor, duty, and loyalty. For Jesus’ audience, the idea of a son demanding his inheritance early would have been scandalous. It was essentially the equivalent of saying, “I wish you were dead so I could have your money now.”
Understanding this context is essential because it helps highlight the radical nature of the father’s response to his sons later in the parable.
Theological Implications
This parable speaks directly to the heart of the gospel message: God’s desire for reconciliation and the joy He experiences when His children return to Him. The father’s role represents God’s willingness to forgive, regardless of the offense. This is a parable about grace—something that cannot be earned but is freely given.
The two sons represent different kinds of sin. The younger son’s rebellion is open and obvious, while the older son’s pride and self-righteousness are more hidden. Jesus is showing that both kinds of sin separate us from God, and both require repentance and grace. The parable invites all people—whether they’ve openly strayed from God or simply grown cold and self-righteous—to return to His loving embrace.
Literary Analysis
This parable is one of the most emotionally powerful stories Jesus tells, and it follows a structure of conflict, crisis, and resolution. The opening statement, “There was a man who had two sons,” introduces the central conflict: the relationship between the father and his sons. The simplicity of the opening allows for a slow build as Jesus reveals deeper layers of meaning.
The “two sons” create a natural contrast. Throughout the parable, Jesus uses their differences to highlight two different ways people relate to God—through rebellion or self-righteousness. The father, on the other hand, represents the consistent and faithful love of God that remains the same regardless of the sons’ behavior.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 21:17 – Explains the laws regarding inheritance and the double portion given to the firstborn.
- Luke 15:7 – Highlights the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, a theme that is central to this parable.
- Psalm 103:13 – “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.”
- Ephesians 2:4-5 – “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse introduces a story that offers hope to anyone who has ever felt lost or far from God. The parable of the prodigal son reminds us that no matter how far we stray, God is always ready to welcome us back with open arms. It’s a call to repentance, but it’s also a reminder that God’s forgiveness is not limited to those who “have it all together.”
The two sons also serve as a warning. The younger son shows how easy it is to fall into sin when we prioritize selfish desires, while the older son warns against pride and self-righteousness. Christians are called to examine their hearts and ensure that they are responding to God’s love with humility, not entitlement.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
The parable of the prodigal son is one of the clearest pictures of God’s love in the Bible. The father’s love for both of his sons, despite their flaws, mirrors God’s love for His children. Even when we rebel or grow prideful, God’s love remains constant. This verse sets the stage for a story that demonstrates God’s readiness to forgive, restore, and rejoice over those who return to Him.
The father’s response in the parable shows that God doesn’t hold grudges or demand that we earn our way back into His favor. Instead, He welcomes us with joy and restores our place in His family. This is the nature of God’s love—it’s patient, forgiving, and abundant.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus tells this parable to illustrate the gospel message, and He is the one who makes reconciliation with God possible. Just as the father in the parable runs to embrace his son, God runs to us through Jesus. His life, death, and resurrection bridge the gap caused by our sin, allowing us to be restored to God’s family.
In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Paul writes that God reconciled the world to Himself through Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. This is exactly what the parable illustrates: the younger son’s sins are forgiven, and he is fully restored to his father’s household. Jesus’ role as Savior makes this restoration possible.
Additionally, Jesus’ interactions with sinners during His ministry (Luke 5:30-32) reflect the same message of grace seen in the parable. He came not to condemn but to save those who recognize their need for forgiveness.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever identified more with the younger son, openly rebelling against God? How did you experience His forgiveness when you returned to Him?
- Are there times when you’ve felt like the older son, struggling with pride or resentment toward others who receive God’s grace? How can you let go of those feelings?
- What does this parable teach you about God’s patience and willingness to forgive?
- How can you reflect God’s love by extending forgiveness and grace to others in your life?
- What does this parable reveal about the importance of repentance in your relationship with God?
This verse introduces a story that touches on some of the most important themes in the Christian faith: repentance, forgiveness, and the extravagant love of God. It invites us to see ourselves in the story and reminds us that no matter where we are—whether lost in sin or stuck in pride—God’s love is waiting to restore us.