Midweek: The Prodigal Son (Part Five)

We've mined Jesus' parable to depths I've never gone before --and isn't that the beauty of Scripture: it is alive and active (Hebrews. 4:12)! We can read it today and observe nuances and teachings we didn't notice yesterday; by the power of the Holy Spirit, God reveals things to us the more we seek to know Him through the Bible. I sometimes joke about "When did they put that in there?" That's why we need to read the Scriptures every day, again and again: it's not just a good book; it is The Good Book! And it brings about change in us! 

So, about change...

We've got this change in the younger brother in Luke 15:17. He has "come to himself," acknowledged his sin before God and his earthly father, recognized he is unworthy, even to be called the son of the father, and has returned to receive forgiveness and be taken in as a servant. I'd love to really blow this up and get into the whole bondservant/adoption thing, but that will have to wait for another day. Suffice to say, we are called to serve for Jesus' sake, but we are sons and daughters of the Most High through our King Jesus. He is the only way. And this young man realizes his insufficiency, asking to receive, at most, the benefits of a servant. He instead, because of the father's mercy, receives the benefits of a son and then some. Remember, his share had already been fully given him; upon his return, he receives more!

This is where we are met with THE lesson of the parable. As I said, we can glean and glean all day long and never come up short; but if we look at the events which occurred prior to Jesus telling this story, we know where it will end. He told them two shorter parables about things lost and then found, and the celebration of such an occasion. But Jesus' third lesson, that of The Prodigal Son, adds a contrast: the older brother who refuses to celebrate his brother's homecoming. The criticism coming from the religious leadership (with regard to the people Jesus loved and taught) is what brings the older son on stage. There is this wonderful climax, the son's repentance and the father's forgiveness! But Jesus doesn't stop there. The shorter parables preceding, end with celebration, a glimpse into heaven when a sinner comes to repentance. In this last, Jesus provides a glimpse into what is happening in the hearts of the religious elite. And it's not at all pretty.

Ellicott's Commentary puts it this way: He who professed obedience to his father is out of harmony with his father’s mind. And, I would add, is out of touch with who his father is! The older son's concern was not that the younger was taking advantage or would turn around and leave once more; he was not looking out for his father, looking to protect him or his assets. By his obedience, the older son had judged himself entitled and his brother unworthy. The irony here is the younger brother agreed with his brother's assessment! The younger brother knew he was unworthy. But for his father's grace. His brother, however, had no clue. He was so oblivious to his father's heart and his father's character, he did not know the value of each and every one who would live under his roof; he did not know the father's heart for all who would come; he did not know the joy.

We are not told whether the older son joined the celebration --not with regard to this parable. Scripture indicates that some of the religious elite, the Pharisees, came to know Jesus as the Messiah. I think, however, Jesus left the decision of the older son ambiguous that those listening might make their own inferences and examine themselves. He is asking us to do the same. 

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
~ 2 Corinthians 13:5