This is a familiar parable of Jesus, one that many of us have heard many times. But as we keep the context in mind, we will see that this younger son points to something different then a backslidden Christian.

With the message of Jonah still in our minds, we will see that Jesus taught the Pharisees and the scribes the same lesson that God taught Jonah. The lesson being that God loves lost people. Over the next several sermons, we will compare Luke 15 to the book of Jonah.

The events in Jonah are real historical events, but they also point to something that would happen close to 500 years later. As we review the entire book of Jonah, we will see that these historical events point us to Jesus.

Through an illustration of a plant, a worm, and an east wind, God shows Jonah that He is extremely saddened over the fact that many people are lost, aimlessly wondering around in life. Are you walking in obedience to him, staying on the path, or are you lost.