·       In order for us to really understand the parable of the Prodigal Son, we need to understand why this story is being told to begin with.

o   Jesus is answering a direct accusation from the Pharisees and the scribes.

o   Luke 15:1-2 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

o   This is not a small detail in this story because in first century Jewish culture…to have a meal with someone, was to accept someone.

§  You were essentially telling others that they belonged

§  That between the two, there was an alliance of hearts

§  And that scenario did not sit well with the Pharisees

·       And to understand why that didn’t sit well with them…you need to know their background.