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The Prodigal Son
A few thoughts on a familiar story. First, about the true main idea of the parable:
"This parable is often called 'The Prodigal Son,' but it is really about different reactions to the prodigal. The key reaction is that of the father, who is excited to receive his son back. Thus a better name for the parable is 'The Forgiving Father.' A subtheme is the reaction of the older brother, so that one can subtitle the parable with the addendum: 'and the Begrudging Brother.'" [1]
Second, about the implications for us and our lives:
"The attitude of God is at the center of the parable. We can be assured that God approaches sinners who turn to him with open arms. Even more, God goes on the active search for sinners, taking the initiative with them, for he came “to seek and to save what was lost” (19:10). He rejoices to bring us into his family, and he celebrates our turning to him.
Those with especially sensitive consciences about whether they are saved should be careful not to doubt God and his gracious desire to welcome us. I remember a believing friend of mine who always doubted his salvation. I always told him that the fact his conscience was so sensitive was itself a sign that he loved God and that God loved him. Yet there was always the struggle of whether God had really embraced him. Finally, I raised the issue of the nature of faith. Faith is trusting in the presence and care of God, that he is the rewarder of those who seek him (Heb. 11:6). This is the central issue of the parable. Do we believe that God embraces those who turn to him? This text calls us to see that he does and then to rest in the encouragement that such love and grace generates." [2] (bolding mine)
The Prodigal Son
A few thoughts on a familiar story. First, about the true main idea of the parable:
"This parable is often called 'The Prodigal Son,' but it is really about different reactions to the prodigal. The key reaction is that of the father, who is excited to receive his son back. Thus a better name for the parable is 'The Forgiving Father.' A subtheme is the reaction of the older brother, so that one can subtitle the parable with the addendum: 'and the Begrudging Brother.'" [1]
Second, about the implications for us and our lives:
"The attitude of God is at the center of the parable. We can be assured that God approaches sinners who turn to him with open arms. Even more, God goes on the active search for sinners, taking the initiative with them, for he came “to seek and to save what was lost” (19:10). He rejoices to bring us into his family, and he celebrates our turning to him.
Those with especially sensitive consciences about whether they are saved should be careful not to doubt God and his gracious desire to welcome us. I remember a believing friend of mine who always doubted his salvation. I always told him that the fact his conscience was so sensitive was itself a sign that he loved God and that God loved him. Yet there was always the struggle of whether God had really embraced him. Finally, I raised the issue of the nature of faith. Faith is trusting in the presence and care of God, that he is the rewarder of those who seek him (Heb. 11:6). This is the central issue of the parable. Do we believe that God embraces those who turn to him? This text calls us to see that he does and then to rest in the encouragement that such love and grace generates." [2] (bolding mine)
[1] Darrell L. Bock, The NIV Application Commentary: Luke (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996), 412.
[2] Ibid. 415-16.
[2] Ibid. 415-16.
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