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Finally...someone stated that the message of the parable is simple...one dimensional...simply stating one truth or couldn't be applied to more than one thing. That's completely ridiculous. Even Jesus referred to it at least 38 Old Testament Characters on more than one occasion to illustrate different lessons of spiritual truths. One scripture in the Bible can teach 100 lessons. As long as it does not contradict and supports other scripture.
I absolutely agree. There are layers and layers of lessons to be uncovered in every Bible story and parable. It would be short sighted to say that we can only pull out the most generic truth from each one and apply that one to our lives.
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Well, that's you "pot o' gold Apostolics." Dig out a new treasure each time.
Fact is, in application, there are a myriad of ways we apply a story. In discovering authorial intent, what was originally heard to the audience, this is not always the case. Jesus had a specific purpose, intent and mission. He wasn't saying 5,000 things. He was declaring one thing: the Kingdom of God.
To suggest the story of the lost son is about how family relationships deter people from faith, about obeying rules, about anything outside of the father's prodigal, extravagant love to sinners --- contrasted with those who consider themselves righteous --- is to miss his point entirely.
In most parables, Jesus actually tells us what they mean.
I've bought-in to the "layers" fluff for many years. There are loopholes in that a mile long that destroy the value, and leave behind few checks and balances in biblical interpretation.
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