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The Parable of the Younger Son

The story begins with Jesus relating a parable of a man who had two sons. He starts with the younger son, who asked the father for his share of the estate which was a flagrant, blatant against-customary-cultural-mores.2 It was flagrant because by law an heir is a recipient of the father’s estate only upon the father’s death; he had no right yet to his living father’s property. It was blatant because it was openly and unashamedly demanded of the father. He felt entitled.

In context, Jesus was before tax collectors and sinners—the evil ones; and the Pharisees and the scribes—the self-righteous, religious ones.3 By relating a story in parable form, he hit two birds with one stone. He castigated both the evil doers and the self-righteous, and expressed God’s will and the father-heart of God. By Jewish tradition, the eldest son receives a double portion of the inheritance; thus, the older would have been entitled to 2/3 of the estate; while the younger, 1/3. He had the responsibility of a kinsman redeemer—the goel to redeem family property that had been lost.4 Immediately, the Pharisees and scribes knew that the younger son could be stoned to death. It was just not the norm.

There are sins that are gross and obvious, which everyone is fast to pinpoint on someone. Yet, notice what the father does! He gracefully obliges the son by giving his share5—that most likely meant that the father sold property equivalent to his son’s 1/3 share and giving the amount to the callous son. The story continues and the son squanders all he had in reckless living. Then a severe famine arose and he began to be in need. In desperation he accepted any menial job, working the fields feeding the pigs. He even desired the pig’s feeds.6

Coming to his senses, the younger son realized his folly and prepared to do restitution. He decided that he would turn back and face his father—he would plead and confess his sin against God and his father, admit that he was no longer worthy to be called a son, and to be considered among his father’s hired servants.7 While he was still far off, his father saw him; full of compassion his father ran towards him to protect him from the community, embraced him and kissed him showing loving acceptance. He didn’t even allow his son to complete his spiel instead ordered his servants to bring the best robe, his signet ring, and shoes. Graphically, showing full unconditional forgiveness, granting restoration of authority and status. And calling for a celebration.8

Next week we shall continue the story of the older son.

Jesus revealed that God is faithful and covenant keeping. If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.9 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.10 Therefore, save others by snatching them out of the fire . . .11

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.12

Notes
 1. Painting by Soichi Watanabe: The Prodigal Son Returns. No copyright infringement is intended.
 2. Luke 15:12
 3. Luke 15:1-2
 4. https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/kinsman/
 5. Luke 15:12
 6. Luke 15:13-15
 7. Luke 15:17-19
 8. Luke 15:20-24
 9. 2 Timothy 2:13
10. Luke 15:7
11. Jude 23
12. Jude 24-25

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