Modern Interpretations
of the Parable of the Prodigal Son

            Charles Spurgeon, 1834-1892
        Spurgeon, a British Baptist, was and is considered one of the greatest preachers of the 19th century.   His expository style and practical applications attracted thousands of listeners.
        Click here to read his sermon on the parable of the prodigal son, preached late in his life.

              Jerry Falwell, 1933-2007
        Falwell, fundamentalist Baptist preacher and right-wing political commentator, built a mega-church and Christian university in Lynchburg, VA.   He also built a reputation as a fiery and popular preacher.
        Click here to read his evangelistic sermon on the parable of the prodigal son.

            Martin Luther King, Jr., 1929-1968

     Although he is remembered best for his historic leadership in the American civil rights movement of the 50's and 60's, King was first and foremost a preacher of great rhetorical style and spiritual power.
     Click here to see the outline of a 1956 sermon, focusing on the three illusions of the prodigal son.

            Barbara Brown Taylor, 1951-
        Taylor, a graduate of Emory and Yale, came to the attention of the Christian world while preaching at a small, rural Episcopal church in north Georgia.   She now teaches at Piedmont College, still preaching widely and writing on faith and spirituality.
        Click here to read her moving sermon based on the whole message of the prodigal son.