Prodigal Son Distorted by FB Pastor

MissBrattified · #1 02-01-2011, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socialite

The "WHY" isn't the subject of the story. Period.

We can speculate, but really, you and I are both the Prodigal. We are Adam. We are sinners. The point is, the Prodigal was a sinner. He tried living life his own way. Reading "rules" into this story molests the picture and distorts it into a completely different picture.

The only "rule abider" in the story is the elder brother. Coincidentally, I believe this is who the story was primarily directed to, the elder brother Pharisees and "righteous" Jews who hated that Jesus was hanging with sinners.

I disagree, Socialite. There are valid points to be brought out regarding the prodigal son's choices. When you analyze a text and try to figure out the whys, you can learn things that will keep you from making the same mistakes yourself--not just find out that God is merciful if you DO make the same mistakes. (And of course, that IS a crucial part of this story, no argument there.)

I do agree with your conclusions about the elder brother and Jesus' intent with that part of the story. Ironically, in order for you to draw that conclusion, you must try to derive more meaning from the parable than just the wonderful mercies of God similar to how RM derived meaning regarding the prodigal's rebellion.

So which is it? A story about the grace of God? Or a story meant to illustrate the horrid attitude of the rule-abiding Pharisees? Btw, there's nothing in the story to indicate that the father was any less merciful to the older brother because of his attitude than he was to the younger son for his errant ways. God forgives bad attitudes just as quickly as bad behavior.

Luke 15:28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

Luke 15:31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

Socialite · #2 02-01-2011, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I disagree, Socialite. There are valid points to be brought out regarding the prodigal son's choices. When you analyze a text and try to figure out the whys, you can learn things that will keep you from making the same mistakes yourself--not just find out that God is merciful if you DO make the same mistakes. (And of course, that IS a crucial part of this story, no argument there.)

I do agree with your conclusions about the elder brother and Jesus' intent with that part of the story. Ironically, in order for you to draw that conclusion, you must try to derive more meaning from the parable than just the wonderful mercies of God similar to how RM derived meaning regarding the prodigal's rebellion.

So which is it? A story about the grace of God? Or a story meant to illustrate the horrid attitude of the rule-abiding Pharisees? Btw, there's nothing in the story to indicate that the father was any less merciful to the older brother because of his attitude than he was to the younger son for his errant ways. God forgives bad attitudes just as quickly as bad behavior.

Luke 15:28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

Luke 15:31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

The story is not random. The characters are very real, and happen to match the description of everyone surrounding him. Lost children, self-righteous older brothers and gracious and loving fathers. I think the Parable of the Lost Son (even out of the other "lost parables" in Luke 15) tells the Gospel better than any other.

God is gracious and loving. He's not interested in you proving yourself, earning your way -- he desired to laud over you, to flood over you with Grace. He doesn't even want to hear your scheming, know how it is you will work yourself back into good favor... he already accepts you. By this grace you understand the beauty and riches of the Father's house. It's not about rules. It's only about rules when there is no grace. For the elder brother, who found this hard to stomach, we see zealous and "righteous" Jews observing a Messiah that is talking to low-lives, sinners and even Samaritans.

It's not either/or. But it must be in the story. Making the story about rules doesn't even flow with the story. Saying he came back because he realized the rules weren't so bad, ruins the art of the master's painting.