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  Long Island Abundant Life Church 長島豐盛生命教會

Luke 15:8–32

4/23/2012

 
Click here to read today's passage on Bible Gateway.

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.
Andrei
4/23/2012 06:46:56 pm

I had a question regarding the suggestion in the commentary that there is a better name for the parable. Going along the line of thinking that the Bible is God's Word and perfect, is it suggest 'better' names for the headings (not sure if that is the right term)? Are those headings suggested by people and not considered like the manuscript?

Definitely reflecting on what you said about God welcoming sinners with open arms... I think I can relate to having a sensitive conscience of whether or not I'm saved. I don't think I've doubted that Jesus would embrace me with open arms, but more of whether or not I truly believed in Him and everything that comes with it. But I think my struggle was being so focused on what I've done instead of God. I've been coming more to terms with the simplicity (if it can be put that way) of saving faith.

Greg
4/24/2012 04:10:12 am

Great and important question! Bible sub-headings are NOT in the text and are not inspired. You'll see lot of differences in Bibles in how things are title. Also important to note is that chapter and verse numbers are not original - they were added centuries later. These things are very helpful for us to help find things quickly and understand things better, but definitely not equal with the text itself. "The Prodigal Son" has become the traditional name for it, but as Bock said, it perhaps doesn't really capture the point of the parable as well as it should.

There are a lot of people that find God's free grace hard to accept - I think we WANT to work for something. It's hard to really put yourself out there in full confidence that your salvation totally depends on someone else, even if that person is Jesus! Hence Jesus talking about "taking up your cross" and "dying to yourself". Sometimes its easier than others, but the only righteousness that will make us perfect in God's sight is Jesus' righteousness!


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