Luke 15:11-32 ~ the son said to Him

Prodigal Son by Clark Kelly Price

Luke 15:11-32

11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ [treat me as one of your hired servants]. 22 But the father said to his servants [bond servants], ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’"

The Father, filled with compassion, runs to his child. Both sons have something in common, they are interested in the Father's benefits, without being in love with Him.

It is amazing the depths of the Father's love, because He sells property to benefit the younger son. In an Arabic community, the younger son has publicly humiliated the Father. The younger son was never worried about conventional behavior, or what others thought about him, his reputation, he was interested in fun and experiencing life. The Father calls for the best robe of the house, it is, of course, the Father's robe. The Father has amazing depths of unconditional love, running to embrace and honor his child.

The older son has presumptive sins. He is angry! He has worked to do what was expected for the reward. Falling in with human nature, the biblical stories of brotherhood, he is secretly a little pleased he has a younger brother who has acted so badly for the limelight to shine more brightly on himself. The older brother is a stickler for the rules. He says to the Father - "that son of yours." There is not any brotherly love coming from an open heart.

Two types of nature in mankind, One Loving Father. Most people associate themselves more with the older brother, but why would we want to? The parable ends, we do not know if the older brother forgave and went inside to join the celebration. Why? It is up to us to love with all of our hearts. To love the Father.

Father God, let us love with open hearts. We ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

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