Storyteller: The Parables of JesusSample

Party Time! (Part 2: The Parable of the Prodigal Son)

The Parable of the Prodigal Son would be more accurately described as the Parable of the Merciful Father. It highlights the gracious and loving response of the father in contrast to the sinful attitudes of not just one but two prodigal sons.

The picture of the father that Jesus offers was unheard of in the time and culture of the ancient Near East. His listeners would have had very little frame of reference for a father who exhibits such generosity and forgiveness. Yet that is exactly what Jesus aims to do: to show people that God, His Father, is unrivaled in every way. Jesus makes it clear that no one is beyond the redemptive reach of God, and there is no sin too great that He cannot heal. The only right response on our part is to turn from our sins and wholeheartedly surrender our lives to Him.

This well-known parable is chock-full of rich meaning, and we could spend multiple days talking about it. Over the next few days, we will examine the younger and older brothers and the unexpected reactions of their father.

The story begins with the younger brother demanding his share of the inheritance from his father so he can leave home and live as he pleases.

We do not know what led to this, but it is both shocking and gut-wrenching. By asking for his inheritance, the younger son is essentially wishing his father dead, valuing possessions more than the one who possesses them.

The Greek meaning of the word is the same word used for life or livelihood; therefore, the son is willingly ripping away his father's identity and means of survival. His identity and status are inextricably tied to his land, along with his ability to live off it.

The father does not scold or condemn him, nor does he punish him or tell him he can never return. Instead, he generously hands over his portion of the inheritance because he delights in giving what is good to his son. Although the father has been mistreated, scorned, and rejected, he releases him, allowing him to go his own way.

The son experiences temporary satisfaction from his self-indulgent behavior and squanders everything on worldly pleasures. But before he knows it, everything is gone, and he is reduced to living like a pig—the most disgraceful animal a Jewish person could imagine.

Sin always promises to give us everything, but in the end, it leaves us with nothing.

In the depths of his misery, the son comes to his senses and remembers the goodness of his father. He knows his kindness and character and trusts that he will extend that same kindness if he returns.

So he concocts a plan to humble himself and go back home, full of remorse and repentance. He understands it is impossible to be his father's son again after all he has done, but maybe he can work for him as a hired hand, as a kind of recompense for his actions.

The father, who appears to have been watching and waiting for this moment, sees his son approaching and runs to him. This would have been undignified for a man in his culture, but it does not stop him. When he reaches his son, without hesitation, he throws his arms around him and kisses him.

It was customary for someone who had disgraced their family in such a way to be stoned to death. But in an extravagant display of love, the father does not require an apology or make him earn his way back into the family. Instead, he gives him his personal robe, a ring, shoes, and a fattened calf to celebrate with the entire village. Everything the son sought from the world exists in his father, who freely forgives him, reinstates him into the family, restores his honor, and throws him the biggest party the town has ever seen. Party time!

Those who have been forgiven much tend to love much, and that is the power of God’s mercy towards sinners. When we are able to grasp the magnitude of what Jesus did on the cross, saving us from the penalty of death and cancelling the debt of our sins, then the only right response is total devotion.

Prayer

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:4, ESV)

Jesus, thank You that Your goodness is a catalyst toward repentance. May I never take Your patience and kindness for granted. Amen.