A PROMISE TO US IN THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON
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Jesus often taught His followers in parables. Parables are simple narratives that teach deeper lessons using imagery relevant to the lives of the listeners. Jesus used parables to challenge the people to self-reflection. His messages were received by receptive hearts and dismissed by hardened hearts.
In the well-known Parable of the Prodigal Son, we will discover an often-overlooked promise of God. When this parable was shared, Jesus was being faulted by the Pharisees for associating with tax-collectors and sinners, ones with whom the prideful religious leaders refused to interact. This story was told to open their eyes…
There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ – Luke 15:11-12
The younger son departs for a distant land where he spends his inheritance on foolish living. When a severe famine hits the land, he works in a farmer’s field feeding pigs. In his hunger, he remembers how well even the servants on his father’s farm were fed. He decides to return home to humbly and repentantly seek his father’s mercy.
The father keeps watch, hoping his son will return. When he sees him far in the distance, he runs to him and embraces him, filled with joy and compassion. The son explains…
Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. – Luke 15:21
The father’s response must have surprised the younger son…
Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. – Luke 15:22-24
The father in this parable symbolizes our merciful Heavenly Father. He joyfully welcomes and forgives His straying children who humbly repent and return to Him. For each has great value and worth in His eyes. All heaven rejoices when just one sinner repents (Luke 15:7).
One in this parable is missing from the celebration. The older son is resentful. For he has been the “good son”… working diligently for his father through the years… waiting patiently for his own share of the inheritance. His father reminds him of his unending love and compassion…
My son… you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. – Luke 15:31
The older son symbolizes the Pharisees whose self-righteousness is exposed. They are resentful that God extends grace and mercy to the “undeserving” sinners. They fail to celebrate when the lost are found… or rejoice at the salvation offered by Jesus.
The father’s response is a promise from the heart of our Father in heaven as well. We are His beloved children. He is always with us… and everything He has is ours. His unconditional grace and mercy abound toward us.
Jesus is our Immanuel, God with us. We are blessed by the Father with all spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). How amazing that He cares so deeply for us! Let this truth reassure you of your incredible worth in His eyes.
† Eternal Takeaway – God is with us always, ever welcoming and forgiving His children †
