Prodigal Son Distorted by FB Pastor

[MissBrattified]

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.