Lenten Season · Year C
Fourth Sunday of Lent
March 26, 2028
Overview & Insights
“The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10).
After the scene at a Pharisee's table in 14:1–24 (cf. 7:36–50; 11:37–54), the focus turns to the much less conventional meals that Jesus enjoyed with social and religious outsiders. This theme was earlier raised by the meal in Levi's house (5:27–39) and by the “sinful woman” who disrupted another more conventional meal (7:36–50), and it has been reflected in Jesus's subversive ideas about who should be at the messianic banquet (13:28–29; 14:15–24). The issue for Jesus is not simply a matter of table etiquette, but rather of God's plan of salvation, which will be gloriously summed up at the table of an arch-sinner in 19:10. So a trio of parables here challenges the reader to rethink who is ultimately acceptable to God. They not only justify Jesus's unconventional practice but also, in the person of the unbending older brother, draw attention to the danger of opposing and, ultimately, missing out on God's grace.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Luke 15 Commentaries BibleHub
Gathers classic verse-by-verse commentaries on the parable's opening frame.
Luke 15 Commentary: The Prodigal Son Enduring Word · David Guzik
A plain-language walk through all three lost-and-found parables in the chapter.
Commentary on Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Working Preacher
A scholar's commentary written specifically for this Sunday in the lectionary cycle.
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A preaching-focused reading noting the father, not the son, is the truly prodigal one.
Luke 15 Commentary Precept Austin
A dense compilation of evangelical commentary excerpts keyed to each verse.
Luke 15 (Haydock Commentary) Haydock Commentary
A Catholic Douay-Rheims commentary drawing on the Fathers and earlier Catholic exegetes.
Two Sons, Lent 4 (C) Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
A model Episcopal sermon preached on this Sunday's parable of the two sons.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Worship & Prayers
Questions preachers ask
Is all of Luke 15 read this Sunday?
No. The Fourth Sunday of Lent in Year C appoints Luke 15:1–3, 11b–32: the framing verses plus the parable of the prodigal son. The lost sheep and lost coin (Luke 15:4–10) are read separately at Proper 19, Year C, in Ordinary Time.
Why is it called Laetare Sunday?
Laetare is the first word of the traditional Latin entrance antiphon, Laetare Jerusalem (Rejoice, Jerusalem). It marks the midpoint of Lent with a note of restrained joy; rose vestments may replace violet.
Do Catholics and Protestants read the same Gospel this Sunday?
Yes. The Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and LSB three-year lectionaries all appoint the prodigal son; their first and second readings differ slightly. The historic one-year lectionary is a separate system and reads John 6 instead.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.