Missing Persons

As Luke says at the beginning (v 11), this story is about two sons. The heading in the CEV gets this right. So often it is referred to as the parable of the prodigal (i.e. wasteful) son, and the second half is ignored. Remember, Jesus is speaking to a mixed audience, tax collectors and sinners, on the one hand, and the religious elite on the other. So we’ll look at both brothers.

Everything about the younger son is despicable. What’s he thinking of, squandering his inheritance in this way? Why does he travel so far into Gentile territory? Couldn’t he see where he would end up if he went on living like this? Nope, he just didn’t think.

Then he hits bottom, comes to his senses, and decides to go home. But look at his assumptions—about his father, and about himself. He thinks his father may take him back, just maybe, as a servant. He sees himself as not good enough.

And look what happens.

Then there’s the other brother, angry. How come his despicable kid brother gets treated like this?

Actually, both brothers make the same mistake. The younger son hopes that his father might hire him back as a slave, the older son complains that he has been slaving away.

Neither of them understands the father’s love. Unconditional, it has nothing to do with their behaviour. It is steadfast—nothing can break it. It doesn’t depend on anything they’ve done or are doing. They are his children. That is enough.

Respond in Prayer

Father God, You are my father. I am your child. Forgive me if I sometimes think of you as a slave-driver and forget that I’m a member of your family. I come to you now as your child, overwhelmed by how much you love me. In joy, Amen.

Annabel Robinson

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).