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Luke 15:1-32

• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary, exposition & sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • Comparative World Scriptures from United Communities of Spirit.
    • "Grace"
    • "Beyond Ritual" 
  • Comparative texts about Pharisees & Sadducees from Josephus, Tosefta, Mishnah & Babylonian Talmud. Comparative primary texts about Purity and Social Relations (see esp "Tax Collectors Visit," from Mishnah, Midrash, Tosefta, and Babylonian Talmud. At Mahlon H. Smith's (Rutgers University) Into His Own: Perspective on the World of Jesus.
  • The Parable of the Prodigal Son in Christianity and Buddhism, Ernest Valea, 1999.
  • I.VIII.4, I.XVI.1, III.XXIII.8, IV.XIV.2, IV.XXXVI.7, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • Chapter 1, Paedagogus, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • II.15, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • Section XXXIX, Who Is the Rich Man Who Can Be Saved? Clement of Alexandria (c 200).
  • Chapter XIV, Against Heresies, Tertullian (c. 200)
  • On Modesty, Chapter VII ff. Tertullian (c 200).
  • Chapter XII, On Patience, Tertullian (c. 202)
  • Chapter VIII, Considering Repentance,  Tertullian (c. 203)
  • Chapter VIII, Chapter XI, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 210)
  • Chapter VII-IX, On Modesty, Tertullian (c. 217)
  • VI.XLVII, The Refutation of all Heresies (Philosophumena), Hippolytus of Rome. (c. 225)
  • Epistle XLVI, Epistle LI, -- The Epistles of Cyprian, Cyprian of Carthage (c. 251-252)
  • Section 14, Anonymous Treatise Against the Heretic Novatian, (c. 255)
  • Chapter X, The Paschal Canon of Anatolius of Alexandria, Anatolius of Alexandria (c. 270)
  • Chapter IV (Tusiane), The Banquet of the Ten Virgins, Methodius of Olympus (c. 300)
  • II.III, II.V, II.IX, III.XX, VIII.II, VIII.XLVII.52, Constitutions of the Holy Apostles (c. 400)
  • A Canticle of Mar Jacob the Teacher on Edessa, Memoirs of Edessa (c. late 5th cent)
  • "Parable of the Lost Sheep," Luke 15:1-10, Martin Luther, c. 1525.
  • "Parable of the Lost Sheep (2)," Luke 15:1-10, Martin Luther, c. 1525.
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "The beginning of repentance is the acknowledging of the mercy of God, which encourages us to hope expectantly."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary (c. 1700).
    • "The parable of the prodigal son shows the nature of repentance, and the Lord's readiness to welcome and bless all who return to him."
  • From Wesley's Notes. John Wesley (1703-1791).
    • "Let no elder brother murmur at [the father's] indulgence, but rather welcome the prodigal back into the family. And let those who have been thus received, wander no more, but emulate the strictest piety of those who for many years have served their heavenly Father, and not transgressed his commandments."
  • "An Appeal to Sinners: Luke 15:2," Charles H. Spurgeon, 1856.
    • "It is in the present day quite fashionable for everybody to lie against what he believes, and to say he is a sinner, even when he believes himself to be a very respectable, well-to-do man, and does not conceive that he ever did anything very amiss in his life."
  • "The Prodigal's Return," Luke 15:20, Charles H. Spurgeon, 1858.
  • "The Approachableness of Jesus: Luke 15:1," Charles H. Spurgeon, 1868.
    • "You may thus contrast and compare our Lord's gentle manners with those of kings, and nobles, and sages, but you shall find none to equal him in condescending tenderness."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "The lessons are obvious, but how beautiful! (1) The deeper sunk and the longer estranged any sinner is, the more exuberant is the joy which his recovery occasions. (2) Such joy is not the portion of those whose whole lives have been spent in the service of their Father in heaven. (3) Instead of grudging the want of this, they should deem it the highest testimony to their lifelong fidelity, that something better is reserved for them--the deep, abiding complacency of their Father in heaven."
  • "The Parable of the Lost Sheep," Luke 15:4-7, Charles H. Spurgeon, 1884.
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "If a son, then the returned sinner is his brother. Unless he, too, can welcome him, then he is the lost son."
  • "Many Kisses for Returning Sinners; or Prodigal Love for the Prodigal Son," Luke 15:20, Charles H. Spurgeon, 1891.
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • PROPER 19C:
    • Commentary, Luke 15:1-10, Greg Carey, at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2010.
      • "Luke 15:1-10 launches an extended reflection on one of the most provocative aspects of Jesus' ministry, his companionship with tax collectors and sinners."
    • Luke 15:1-10, Proper 24C, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
    • "First Thoughts on Year C Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Pentecost 16, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
      • "The love was unconditional. But it was also very challenging, because he was also inviting them as valued people to become part of the future vision."
    • Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
      • "The main verb in the second conclusion (v. 10) is ginetai a present = "There is". So, when a sinner repents, at that moment there is joy in heaven. Will there be joy on earth, then seems to be Jesus' question."
    • The Parable of the Lost Sheep, audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2010.
    • "Broken Hearts, Broken Communities," Nanette Sawyer, The Hardest Question, 2010.
      • "Does God Grieve Losing Us Like We Grieve Losing Loved Ones?"
    • "Tony Tony, Turn Around," Alyce McKenzie, Patheos, 2010.
      • "We are in the business of helping people find lost items. Isn?t that in our job description?"
    • "Signs, Sheep and Shepherds," Kyle Childress, The Ekklesia Project, 2010.
      • "In this world of Caiaphases, the church is called to be a Good Shepherd people."
    • Exegesis: Luke 15:1-10, R Alan Culpepper, Lectionary Homiletics sample.
      • "The parables also suggest one of the deep truths about God?s mercy: only those who celebrate God?s grace to others can receive it themselves. Grace is the rule in God?s household."
    • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, Luke 15:1-10, David Ewart, 2010.
      • "There may indeed be joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, but the parables are more about the joy to be had on earth from hearing the good news of the extravagant God who risks all to search for each one of us personally, individually - joyfully."
    • "Don't Let Jesus Manage Your Money," Paul Bellan-Boyer, City Called Heaven, 2010.
      • "What?s a sheep worth anyway? Before you risk the 99, you?d better know what the one is worth."
    • "Care and Joy," Mary Hinkle, Pilgrim Preaching, 2004.
      • "That everything-in-its-place kind of responsibility is not what these searches are about. Instead, the search of the shepherd and the woman are all about joy, a joy that overflows into the cheerful disarray of a celebration."
    • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Proper 19C, 2004. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
      • "If one sheep is with the shepherd and ninety-nine aren't, who's really the stray?"
    • Laterally Luke, (Luke 15:1-10) by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
    • Wellspring of the Gospel, Ordinary 24, Catherine McElhinney and Kathryn Turner, Weekly Wellsprings.
    • "Losing and Finding," Expository Essay, Luke 15:1-10, Dr. William R. Long.
      • "These briefly-expressed but beautiful parables are often considered solely in context with 15:11-32, the parable of the prodigal son, but I would like to suggest that they first be understood in reference to ch. 14."
    • "Clean Sweep," Jennifer E. Copeland, The Christian Century, 2004.
      • "The lost sheep and the lost coin are more than the prized possessions of their owners; they are also parts of a whole."
  • LENT 4C:
  • Parable of the Prodigal Son and His Brother, audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2013.
  • Commentary, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Matt Skinner, at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2010.
    • "The challenge lies in crafting a sermon that lets people discover newness. If we think we already know what the parable is about, or think that it only means a couple of things, then we close ourselves off to its depth."
  • "Prodigal Son," Garrison Keillor, Word & World, 1997. At workingpreacher.org.
  • Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Lent 4C, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "The Parable of the Dysfunctional Family," Barbara Brown Taylor, 2007.
    • "It feels good to know who?s right, who?s wrong, and which one you are, even when that shames your father and breaks his heart, causing him to die a little right before your eyes. "
  • "First Thoughts on Year C Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Lent 4, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "The message is basic: if a parent loves that much, why can?t you think about God being like that? Why can?t you see my ministry as doing that? Notice: the father does not know the mind of the son, that he has repented, so it is not about loving people after or if they have repented."
  • Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
    • "The father is seeking to reestablish the proper relationship between himself and his older son; and as Culpepper writes: "In the world of the parable, one cannot be a son without also being a brother." [p. 304]"
  • "The Prodigal Son and the Country of God," David Lose, WorkingPreacher.org, 2010.
    • "Jesus paints a picture of this world in his story of a foolish son and an even more foolish father. It is a world of unmerited grace. Counters won't understand."
  • "God is a Loony Dad (or Mom)," Kari Henkelmann Keyl, by the way, 2010.
    • "What would it mean for us to take this risky, boundary-less love into our lives? What grudges would we feel compelled to give up? What prejudices would start to melt? What healing of relationships might be born? What self-hatred could be disarmed and forgiven?"
  • Lectionary Commentary, Luke 15:11-32, Frederick Haynes III, The African American Lectionary, 2009.
    • "The party thrown for the youngest son does not take anything away from what the father has for the oldest son. The father is celebrating the fact that a family that was broken is now whole, because the lost has been found and he who was dead is now alive."
  • Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Robert Gnuse, Lectionary Homiletics sample.
    • "We are the older brothers. Do we begrudge the younger brother, the poor, the broken, those who are confused in life, those who are different from us, those ?others?"
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
    • "Robert Capon notes that, as the father had given his life (ton bion), the younger son squandered 'his substance' (ten ousian)."
  • First Look, Lee Koontz, Reflectious, 2010.
    • "How often are we jealous of someone?s unmerited blessing?"
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, David Ewart, 2010.
    • "What about the eldest son? By accepting his share of the estate, he has now become responsible for supporting his father and his father's household. He would now have to provide for his younger brother as well."
  • "The Parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin and Lost Son: Gospel Analysis," Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.
    • "We have one brother who is the prodigal of the flesh and the other is a prodigal of the spirit. Both are loved. Both are loved deeply by God, the Father."
  • Excerpt from Henri Nouwen's Return of the Prodigal Son. 
    • "Often I have asked friends to give me their first impression of Rembrandt's Prodigal Son.  Inevitably, they point to the wise old man who forgives his son: the benevolent patriarch."
  • "Hearing Parables in the Cotton Patch," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Parables," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
  • "The Land of the Settling Sons," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2010.
    • "All too often. in our life and preaching as the church we have tended to side with one or the other of the sons..."
  • "Wherever You Are," Mary Hinkle, Pilgrim Preaching: Keeping Company with Biblical Texts and the People Who Hear and Preach Them.
    • "The past is not the only factor shaping the future of the two brothers. That could be a definition of forgiveness: the past does not have all the power in this relationship."
  • "The Tragedy of the Righteous Brother," Jeremiah Bartram, Gospel for Gays, 2010.
  • Laterally Luke, (Luke 15:11-32) by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
  • "All the Tax Collectors and the Sinners Were Coming Near," Jerry Goebel, One Family Outreach. "Focus on scripture from a justice perspective." Exegesis, study, and teen study and activities.
    • "The congregation of Jesus was an amalgamation of those who wanted to lift him up and those who wanted to tear him down. His listeners included the most excluded and those who excluded them.  His audience included those broken by compassion and those hardened by self-righteous judgment.  Upon which side of that gate would I be seated?"
  • "Lost and Found: Stories for Sheep, Coins, and Father's Sons," exegetical notes by Peter L. Haynes.
    • "At [the story's] end, we are left wondering what will happen now. That's precisely where we enter the picture - how will we, prodigal or faithful, respond to God's love and mercy?"
  • "A Grumbling Scribe," Sarah M. Foulger, Stirred by the Light - Voices of Lent.
  • Jesus Now, Lent 4C. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Discussion, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Wesley White. "A place of conversation regarding Progressive Christianity."
  • "The Prodigal Daughter," Ed Loring, The Human Quest, 2002.
    • "There was once a mamma who had a son and a daughter. The younger child, the daughter, said to her, `Mamma, give me my share of the income tax return now. I know we don't pay taxes for war, but we got a windfall return this year.'"
  • "A Love That Is Too Much to Take!" Lent 4, Fr. Gerry Pierse, C.Ss.R., from Sundays Into Silence: Reflections on the Sunday Gospels in the Light of Christian Meditation. Claretian Publications.
    • "The Lord is much more partial towards the bad bads than he is towards the good bads. The people who get the worst press in the Gospels are the Pharisees who looked down on, and set themselves apart from sinners."
  • "Winning Situation," Beth Sanders, The Christian Century, 2007.
    • "Sharon Ringe suggests that the title for this lesson should be the 'Parable of Two Beloved Sons.'"
  • "'Go After the One that Is Lost," Jerry Goebel, One Family Outreach. "Focus on scripture from a justice perspective." Exegesis, study, and teen study and activities.
    • "What will similarly make me powerful in the Lord?s harvest is if my friendships reflect Christ?s values.  Do I just preach about the lost or am I found among them?"
  • "From Death to Life," "The Lost Sheep," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources.
    • "The natural consequence of finding grace in Christ, is that we become gracious."
  • "All That I Have Is Yours," Expository Essay, Luke 15:11-32, Dr. William R. Long. Part 2.
    • "The last word is that the prodigal son is really "your brother." That is the last word to the hearers. They are really our brothers."
  • Lectionary Commentary and Preaching Paths (Lent C4), by Jirair Tashjian, at The Christian Resource Institute.
    • "Since the parable ends without a conclusion, it seems that the thrust of the message is directed toward those who fall under the category of the older son. The difficulty with that is that most people in the church who listen to this parable readily identify themselves with the prodigal son: I was lost in sin, but I came back to God and He took me in."
  • "The Real Prodigal," A. Katherine Grieb, The Christian Century, 2004.
    • "What happens if we focus on the man who had two sons and read this parable as an answer to the question the Corinthians might have asked Paul: What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ?"
  • "Fourth Sunday in Lent: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32," For the Renewal of Repentance: The Lukan Texts for Lent, Gary M. Simpson, Texts in Context, Word & World, Luther Northwestern Theological School, 1992.
    • "The elder brother in this 'parable of the elder brother' angrily refused to participate in the rejoicing. For this reason the parable is also know as 'the lost sons'. Both (!) are lost."
  • "The Parable of the Prodigal Son," poetry by Kilian McDonnell, in the National Catholic Reporter, 2003.
  • "Not the Results That Count, but the Becoming," Joan Chittister, National Catholic Reporter, 2001.
    • "The Sufis tell a story that may go to the very core of the gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32). It exposes the Lenten question we may well be missing -- if not deliberately avoiding -- as we go through the season. It asks the question, 'Who am I becoming?' in a world that prefers to shape appearances and create images rather than trade in the real thing."
  • "A Bent Tale about a Dog," William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia. A canine reworking of the Prodigal Son parable.
  • "Surprise Party," Thomas G. Long, The Christian Century, 2001. Religion Online.
    • "If we prodigals see the father running in our direction with open arms, we should know in our souls that this as an event so unexpected, so undeserved, so out of joint with all that life should bring us, that we fall down in awe before this joyful mystery."
  • "The Image of Home," Laura Smit, Theology Today, 1988.
    • "How appropriate or effective is it to rely on the image of a Waiting Father to communicate the reality of God's grace? To many of my generation, such a metaphor calls up horrible images.... There are too many connotations of regression, of going back to a time when we had no responsibility and could make no decisions, even if we wanted to. Adults who long to return to the irresponsibility of childhood are adults with problems, and that's not what our presentation of Christian faith and life should cater to."
  • "Table Manners," Barbara Brown Taylor, The Christian Century, 1998. At Religion Online.
    • "So if I were putting together a sinners table at the Huddle House, it might include an abortion doctor, a child molester, an arms dealer, a garbage collector, a young man with AIDS, a Laotian chicken plucker, a teenage crack addict, and an unmarried woman on welfare with five children by three different fathers. Did I miss anyone? Don?t forget to put Jesus at the head of the table, asking the young man to hand him a roll, please, and offering the doctor a second cup of coffee before she goes back to work."
  • The Prodigal Son, from And Adam Knew Eve: A Dictionary of Sex in the Bible, by Ronald L. Ecker.
• Articles & Background:
  • "Search for Jesus: The 'Subversive' Parables," Marcus Borg, Catholic New Times, 2004.
    • "A parable is a comparison story: something is like something else. The word itself means 'cast alongside of.' Parables 'cast' a story alongside some life situation."
  • "The Family in the Bible," James A. Sanders, Biblical Theology Bulletin, 2002.
    • "The whole of the Bible and of Jewish and Christian tradition can be viewed within the tension between the Bible's focus on family, or community worth and responsibility, and its struggle toward affirmation of individual worth and responsibility within the larger family...The current cultural tensions between Islam and the West, and even in the so-called culture wars in this country, are illumined by a socio-cultural reading of the Bible as a whole."
  • "Our Problem with Jesus' Parables," Craig A. Satterlee, The Lutheran, 2004.
    • "We think we know what they mean-so we miss the surprise..."
  • "'Our Mother who art in Heaven' -- challenging dominant masculinity," Wanjiru Kariuki, Online Journal, 2006. African perspective.
    • "Thanks, in particular, to the critical effort of the pamphlet, The War against Women, which has managed to bring to the surface the dominance of male language used in reference to God, that would have largely gone unnoticed, gender consciousness in the church has begun."
  • "The Feminist Critique of God-Language," Neil Gillman, MyJewishLearning.com. Reprinted from Jewish Lights.
  • "Repentance and Conflict in the Parable of the Lost Son," Greg Forbes, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 1999.
  • "The Parable of the Prodigal: Priorities," Tim Geddert, Direction, 1995.
    • "Parables and Meaning," John Vooys, Direction, 1995.
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices.
  • Luke 15:1-10
    • Anderson, Garwood P., "Seeking and Saving What Might Have Been Lost: Luke's Restoration of an Enigmatic Parable Tradition," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2008.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Burghardt, William, S.J., "Gospel Joy, Christian Joy," The Living Pulpit, 1996.  (see Joy issue focus of The Living Pulpit 5.4, 1996.)
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Chance, J. Bradley, "Luke 15: Seeking the Outsiders," Review & Expositor, 1997.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Copeland, Jennifer E., "Clean Sweep," The Christian Century, 2004.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Curkpatrick, Stephen, "Parable Metonymy and Luke's Kerygmatic Framing," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2003.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Durber, Susan, "The Female Reader of the Parables of the Lost," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1992.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • James, Ann, "Prodigiously Lost and Found," The Christian Century, 1989.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Langer, Heidemarie, "Letting Ourselves Be Found: Stories of a Feminist Spirituality," Ecumenical Review, 1986.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Ramsey, George W., "Plots, Gaps, Repetitions, and Ambiguity in Luke 15," Perspectives in Religious Studies, 1990.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Reid, Barbara E., O.P., "Beyond Petty Pursuits and Wearisome Widows: Three Lukan Parables," Interpretation, 2002.  (See also, "Parables," issue focus of Interpretation 56.3 (2002).)
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Reid, Robert Stephen, "On Preaching 'Fictive Argument': A Reader-Response Look at a Lukan Parable and Three Sayings on Discipleship," Restoration Quarterly, 2001.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Ross, Art, "Luke 15:1-10, Between Text and Sermon," Interpretation, 2007.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Russell, Keith A., "Hungering for God: Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for March," The Living Pulpit, 2007.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Schertz, Mary H., "God's Party Time," The Christian Century, 2007.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Sterne, Martha P., "Seeking the Lost Sheep," The Christian Century, 1998.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Walls, A.F., "'In the Presence of Angels' (Luke 15.10)," Novum Testamentum, 1959.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Luke 15:11-32
    • Aus, Roger David, "Luke 15:11-32 and R. Eliezer Ben Hyrcanus's Rise to Fame," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1985.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Brueggemann, Walter, "'Until'...Endlessly Enacted, Now Urgent," Journal for Preachers, 2003.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Burghardt, William, S.J., "Gospel Joy, Christian Joy," The Living Pulpit, 1996. (see Joy issue focus of The Living Pulpit 5.4, 1996.)
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Carlston, Charles E., "Reminiscence and Redaction in Luke 15:11-32," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1975.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Chance, J. Bradley, "Luke 15: Seeking the Outsiders," Review & Expositor, 1997.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Cloete, G.D., and D.J. Smit, "Rejoicing with God..." Journal of Theology for Southern Africa, 1989.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Crossan, John Dominic, "A Metamodel for Polyvalent Narration," Semeia, 1977.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Curkpatrick, Stephen, "Parable Metonymy and Luke's Kerygmatic Framing," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2003.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Duff, Nancy J., "Luke 15:11-32, Between Text and Sermon," Interpretation, 1995.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Durber, Susan, "The Female Reader of the Parables of the Lost," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1992.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Enniss, P.C., "The Forgiving Child," Journal for Preachers, 2003. (Sermon)
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Evenrud, Jerry A., "Visual Exegesis, 'The Prodigal Son'," ARTS, 1992.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Forbes, Greg, "Repentance and Conflict in the Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 1999.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Geddert, Tim, "The Parable of the Prodigal: Priorities (Luke 15:11-32)," Direction, 1995.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Giblin, Charles Homer, S.J., "Structural and Theological Considerations on Luke 15," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1962.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Grieb, A. Katherine, "The Real Prodigal," The Christian Century, 2004.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Harrill, J. Albert, "The Indentured Labor of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:15)," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1996.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Hock, Ronald F., "Romancing the Parables of Jesus," Perspectives in Religious Studies, 2002.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • James, Ann, "Prodigiously Lost and Found," The Christian Century, 1989.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Jancoski, Loretta, "Empowering Women to Claim their Inheritance," Religious Education, 1987.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Keillor, Garrison, "Prodigal Son," Word & World, 1997. 
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Langer, Heidemarie, "Letting Ourselves Be Found: Stories of a Feminist Spirituality," Ecumenical Review, 1986.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Long, Thomas G., "Surprise Party," The Christian Century, 2001.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Marshall, Christopher D., "Offending, Restoration and the Law-Abiding Community: Restorative Justice in the New Testament and in the New Zealand Experience," Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics, 2007.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Mason, George, "You Can Go Home Again," Journal of Family Ministry, 1990.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Matera, Frank J., "Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-19:46): A Conflict with Israel," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1993.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Mendenhall, Maury, "Runaways," Journal for Preachers, 2001. Sermon.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Menken, M.J.J., "The Position of SPLANCHNIZESTHAI and SPLANCHNA in the Gospel of Luke," Novum Testamentum, 1988.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Orndorff, Jan Riehl, "What about the Older Brother?" Brethren Life and Thought, 2005. Sermon.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Parsons, Mikeal C., "The Prodigal's Elder Brother: The History and Ethics of Reading Luke 15:25-32," Perspectives in Religious Studies, 1996.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Price, James L., "Luke 15:11-32, Expository Article," Interpretation, 1977.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Ramsey, George W., "Plots, Gaps, Repetitions, and Ambiguity in Luke 15," Perspectives in Religious Studies, 1990.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Reid, Robert Stephen, "On Preaching 'Fictive Argument': A Reader-Response Look at a Lukan Parable and Three Sayings on Discipleship," Restoration Quarterly, 2001.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Sanders, Beth, "Winning Situation," The Christian Century, 2007.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Scott, Bernard B., "The Prodigal Son: A Structuralist Interpretation," Semeia, 1977.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Sellew, Philip, "Interior Monologue as a Narrative Device in the Parables of Luke," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1992.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Simpson, Gary M., "For the Renewal of Repentance: The Lukan Texts for Lent," Word & World, 1992.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Smit, Laura, "The Image of Home," Theology Today, 1988.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Taylor, Barbara Brown, "The Evils of Pride and Self-Righteousness," The Living Pulpit, 1992.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Taylor, Barbara Brown, "Table Manners," The Living Pulpit, 1998.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Tolbert, Mary Ann, "The Prodigal Son: An Essay in Literary Criticism from a Psychoanalytic Perspective," Semeia, 1977.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Via, Dan O., Jr., "The Prodigal Son: A Jungian Reading," Semeia, 1977.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Wardlaw, Theodore J., "In Defense of the Older Brother," Sermon, Journal for Preachers, 2002.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Wittig, Susan, "A Theory of Multiple Meanings," Semeia, 1977.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Reviews:
  • Reviews: David A. Holgate, Prodigality, Liberality and Meanness in the Parable of the Prodigal Son: A Greco-Roman Perspective on Luke 15:11-32. Sheffield Academic Press, 1999. Reviews by Steven M. Sheeley and Richard Thompson in SBL's Review of Biblical Literature.
  • Review: Kenneth E. Bailey, Jacob & the Prodigal: How Jesus Retold Israel's Story. Intervarsity Press, 2003. Review by David Reed at SBL's Review of Biblical Literature.
  • Review: Kenneth E. Bailey, Jacob & the Prodigal: How Jesus Retold Israel's Story. Intervarsity Press, 2003. Review by Mark S Krause in The Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 2004.
  • Metzger, James A., Consumption and Wealth in Luke's Travel Narrative. Brill, 2007. Review by Kenneth Litwak, Review of Biblical Literature, 2008.
• Sermons:
  • "Quitting Ain't An Option!" (Luke 15:8-10) the Rev. Dr. Leslie Holmes, Day 1, 2007.
  • "Rejoice with Jesus!" Pentecost +16 (Luke 15:1-10), 16 September 2007, Walter W. Harms, Goettinger Predigten: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "Which Comes First: Grace or Repentance?" the Rev. Dr. Robert Dunham, Day 1, 2010.
  • "God on the Prowl," William Willimon, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 2010.
  • "The Father Who Lost Two Sons," Rev. Robert Farrar Capon, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 2001.
  • "God's Promises for You: I Love You," (Luke 15:8-10) the Rev. Allen Hunt, Day 1, 2007.
  • Lent 4, 2007, Goettinger Predigten: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors:
    • "What Is God Like?" Samuel Zumwalt
    • Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Timothy J. Hoyer
  • "Arriving Where We Started," Pastor Nathan Mattox, First United Methodist Church of Morris, Oklahoma.
  • "Is There Joy in God's House?" the Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Long, Day 1, 2004.
  • "The Joy of Being Lost and Found," Fr. Edward Beck, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 2005.
  • "The Prodigal Son," Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
  • "The Lonely Lady of Blairstone Park," story by Professor Richard Jensen. Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Sermons from Seattle.
  • "The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin," Fr. Robert Farrar Capon, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 1996.
  • "Do You Mind Dogs?" Chris Glaser, 2004. Covenant Network of Presbyterians.
  • "Desperately Seeking Grace," Dr. John Landgraf, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 1994.
  • "The End of All Exploring," the Rev. Dr. James C. Howell, Day 1, 1996.
  • "Enjoying a Life on Loan," the Rev. Dr. John Killinger, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 1999.
  • "The Joy of Being Lost and Found," Edward Beck, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 2004.
  • "Joy in the Presence," the Rev. Dr. Philip Blackwell, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 2005.
  • "I Have Sinned," sermon by Peter L Haynes, linking "Good Will Hunting" with the Prodigal Son parable.
  • "Who's That In the Distance?" thre Rev. Francis Miller, Day 1, 2001.
  • "Lost and Found," Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
  • "In the Thick of Humiliation," John Jewell, 1998.
  • "Another Look at an Old, Old Story," the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Reaves, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 2000.
  • Father Andrew Greeley, Author, Priest, Sociologist: Background and Homily
    • Ordinary 23, 2010
    • Lent 4, 2010
    • Lent 4, 2009
    • Ordinary 24, 2007
    • Ordinary 23, 2007
    • Ordinary 23, 2001
    • Lent 4, 2007
    • Lent 4, 2004
    • Lent 4, 2001
• With Children:
  • "Children's Literature: A Resource for Ministry," Connections: Luke 15:1-10 and The Lost-and-found Tooth  , by Louis Borden, Union Presbyterian Seminary, 2010.
  • "The Lost Sheep," "The Prodigal Son," Illustrating the Story (lessons, children's sermons), coloring pages, activity sheets, crafts, children's songs. MSSS Crafts.
  • "Wearing His Brand," "The Lost Sheep," "Three Wishes," Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons4kids.com.
  • "Bad Boy," Jim Kerlin, childrensermons.com.
  • "Missing!" Linda Edwards, The Children's Chapel.

  • "The Prodigal Son," Linda Edwards, The Children's Chapel.

  • "A Father Welcomes a Lost Son," "Jesus Carries the Lots Sheep Home on His Shoulders," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.

  • "The Prodigal Son," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.

  • Luke 15 Crossword, Don Crownover's Bible Puzzles.

  • "The Parable of the Lost Coin," online computer java-based coloring pages from Grace Baptist Church of Feeding Hill.

• Drama:
  • "The Sons of Ephraim," from A Certain Jesus by Jose Ignacio and Maria Lopez Vigil. Ideal for catechetical and liturgical dramatization of today's gospel. Claretian Publications.
  • "Perfection," J'son M. Lee, dramatix.
  • "Waiting for Rescue," Fred Lane, dramatix.
  • "Bob the Hamster," Dave Taylor, dramatix.
  • "The Parable of the Lost Daughter," Andy Lund, dramatix.
  • "Prodigal Bus Boy," Glenn A. Hascall, dramatix.
  • "Come Home, Son," Lucy Hawkins, dramatix.
  • "My Father's Will," Eric Stapleton, dramatix.
  • "Lifeboat," Trevor Fletcher, dramatix.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art, Luke 15:6, Luke 15:9, Luke 15:20, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Luke 15:1-10, Luke 15:1-10 #2, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Clip Art Images: Luke 15:11-32, Luke 15:11-32 #2, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Luke 15:1-3, 11-32, Liturgical Drawing, Maria d.c. Zamora, Claretian Resources, Philippines. ("Download and use these for free.")
  • Luke 15:11-32, Luke 15:1-32 at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
  • Clip Art: The Return of the Prodigal Son, Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld woodcuts, World Mission Collection, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
  • Commercial Site: "Prodigal Daughter," visual liturgy, The Work of the People.
• Hymns and Music:
  • God's Great Love is So Amazing original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette on Jesus? three ?lost and found? parables in Luke 15.  Tune: CONVERSE 8.7.8.7.D (?What a Friend We Have in Jesus?)
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Luke 15:2, 6, 10, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • Hymnal Scripture References, The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship.
  • At Digital Hymnal (midi files, guitar chords, karaoke files, projection text):
    • Come, Ye Sinners
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
  • Prodigal Son
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
  • Grace
  • Prodigal
  • Repentance
  • Forgiveness/Reconciliation
  • Recognition
  • Envy/Jealousy
• Find Worship Resources & Suggested Other Readings for use with this text:
  • Lent 4C
  • Proper 19C/Ordinary 24C
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Luke

• INDEX BY SCRIPTURE
• PODCASTS

• Baptism of Jesus - Jan 8
• Epiphany 2 - Jan 15
• MLK, Jr - Jan 15
• Prayer for Christian Unity - Jan 18-25
• Confession of Peter - Jan 18
• Epiphany 3 - Jan 22
• Conversion of Paul - Jan 25
• Epiphany 4 - Jan 29
• Presentation - Feb 2
• Epiphany 5 - Feb 5
• Epiphany 6 - Feb 12
• Transfiguration - Last Epiphany - Feb 19
• Epiphany 7 - Feb 19
• Ash Wednesday - Feb 22
• St Mathias - Feb 24
• Lent 1 - Feb 26
• Lent 2 - Mar 4
• Lent 3 - Mar 11
• Lent 4 - Mar 18
• St. Joseph - Mar 19
• Lent 5 - Mar 25
• Annunciation - Mar 25
• Palm Sunday - April 1
• Passion Sunday - April 1
• Holy Monday - April 2
• Holy Tuesday - April 3
• Holy Wednesday - April 4
• Holy Maundy Thursday - April 5
• Good Friday - April 6
• Holy Saturday - April 7
• Easter Vigil - April 7-8
• Easter Day - April 8
• Easter Evening - April 8

• Calendars
• YEAR A
• YEAR B
• YEAR C
• FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS (includes Creation)
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF TERRORISM/WAR/PEACE RESOURCES
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER

©2010 and 2011, Jenee Woodard