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The Prodigal Son Luke 15:11-32
It has been called “the greatest short story ever told.” The quotation is attributed to Dickens, Emerson, Twain and a variety of religious authors. It is certainly famous enough to justify the phrase.
Luk 15:11-32 NIV Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. (12) The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. (13) "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. (14) After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. (15) So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. (16) He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. (17) "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! (18) I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. (19) I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' (20) So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (21) "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.[2]' (22) "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. (23) Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. (24) For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. (25) "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. (26) So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. (27) 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' (28) "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. (29) But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. (30) But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' (31) " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. (32) But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "
Background This parable is given in the context of yet another argument with the Pharisees. Their complaint on this occasion is that Jesus has no sense of propriety about what kind of people a good rabbi would associate with. In particular, Jesus seems to have a fondness for tax collectors and other assorted sinners. To this, Jesus tells three parables:
The rejoicing continues in this third parable.
The prodigal son We may first consider the title character. It is convenient to look at him in three lights: before his repentance, during his change and when he comes home.
Before One thing is clear: this is a boy in rebellion. He has looked at his father’s style (i.e. hard work) and decided he doesn’t like the look. He therefore wants out. Indeed, “I want” is often the source of sin. In this there is a curious cycle played out in every generation. It is simply this: we want, we get what we want – and then we don’t like the result.
The Change May I point out one little, tiny variation of the theme usually sounded? It’s easy to imagine the boy in a state of depression. We often picture this young man as making an emotional decision – largely because this parable is used so frequently in altar calls. But it’s false. The decision taken here is taken rationally – when the boy comes to his senses. Note, too, that this is a decision that results in action. It is not just coming to the front at an altar call; this kid has quite a hike ahead of him. As he is going on the way he is rehearsing his speech.
One thing we may point out: he has learned the futility of wealth. Every one is your friend when you are dispensing the gold; no one cares about your diet when you are broke.
After The young man’s repentance teaches us these lessons:
The Father The obvious picture here is that of God the Father. It is an interesting parallel, which teaches much.
A long way off That little phrase gives up some golden thought:
Running “He ran to his son” – a simple statement, but with great implications for us.
His loving mercy We are about to encounter the older brother’s reaction, so we need a little groundwork here.
Rejoice Just in case you’re not convinced of how overwhelming the father’s reaction would have been, consider these items: · The party was dad’s idea. · He went all out at the party – killing the fatted calf. That’s how sinners are welcomed home in the kingdom of God.
The older brother Let us begin by saying that the older brother is not Snidely Whiplash.[2] He doesn’t see things dad’s way, but by our standards the boy is not getting a fair deal here.
His complaint In his mind, the older brother has a fair grievance: he’s being treated unjustly. The kid comes home and gets a party; surely fairness would dictate that he should have more than that? And what has he gotten? A good part of this is the view the righteous take of themselves. There is a fair amount of sense in his position – but there is also a fair amount of envy, as well. He knows that the remainder of dad’s estate will go to him; he knows that dad thinks well of him. What he wants is fair treatment – justice, in effect. Take this from inside the brother’s head. His view of himself is that he has done well and behaved righteously – and therefore is deserving of reward for this. His brother is a scoundrel; not only did he squander his inheritance, it looks like he’s getting a hero’s welcome for doing it! If spending all his money on booze and prostitutes gets you this kind of welcome home, what should the faithful son get?
Can you hear the envy of the sinner? Can you hear the contempt for his brother?
His father’s reply Perhaps you didn’t notice this, but the father came out to his older son – because the son wouldn’t come near the house. It’s the same as with the prodigal. He doesn’t deny that his brother has sinned, as well as being rather foolish in the process. His reply is simply this: the most important thing is neither the righteousness of the older brother nor the sins of the younger one. The most important thing is the love of the Father.
Lessons May I point out:
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