The parable of the “Prodigal Son” does not stand alone. It is framed by the opening verses of the chapter and the parables which come before. One must always keep in mind that the three parables (Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son) are told in response to the complaint that Jesus welcomes and eats with “tax collectors and sinners.” The former being traitors to their religious family and the latter already standing condemned by the Laws of the family. They are people “outside the camp” – they are lost.

In the first parable when the lost sheep is found the shepherd invites others to “Rejoice with me.” (Lk 15:6). Jesus notes that there is “joy in heaven” (v.7) because – not that one was found – but that the lost one repented. In the second parable the woman invites others to rejoice with her because she has found the lost coin. Again, Jesus notes “there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (v.10) Again the focus is on repentance.

What is different about the third parable is that the dynamic is no longer property, but family.

Joel Green [579] writes, “As valuable as sheep and coins might be to a person, the loss and recovery of a son are of even greater importance. Critical to the development of this parable is how this loss and recovery are signified in familial terms.” The younger of the two siblings moves from son, to wayward son, thinks about returning as a hired hand, and in the end is restored to sonship.  The elder of the two seems to think of himself as a slave to his rather and at the same time refuses to recognize his brother. Yet the father recognizes the elder son as a member of the family and invites him to join the celebration of joy.  We never find out if the elder son accepts the invitation.

This chapter is bound together by the theme of joy over the recovery of what was lost. Luke uses this motif to teach a newer, more full meaning of repentance.  

In the first two parables, Jesus addresses his listeners directly: “What man among you …?” “Or what women..?”  However attractive the extravagant response of the shepherd or woman, the practical answer is “no one.” One stays with the 99 and one does spend so much effort for such a small coin. But the unspoken reply is “And this is what God is like…” In a split second we are drawn into God’s world, seeing and acting as he would. The shepherd’s joy is like God’s joy; his dedication to the individual sheep, carrying it back to the flock, is a reflection of God’s love.