But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” vs. 30
Luke 15:11-32
The parable of the prodigal son is one of Jesus’ best known and most loved stories. In it God is compared to a generous, long-suffering, and compassionate father, one who welcomes his wayward son with a kiss and a hug even before the boy has a chance to speak. And to celebrate the son’s return, the father throws an extravagant party, complete with a feast and a dance. We love the parable because of its description of God’s unconditional love and mercy, but the Pharisees and the scribes hated it. Jesus had crafted the story to expose their “elder brother syndrome,” and it was impossible for them to miss his point.
It’s hard for any of us to deal with God’s steadfast love and mercy, especially when we sense that it’s directed at those who we believe don’t deserve it. We believe in what we call “tough love” and in our version of the parable the son would need to get a job before receiving benefits. We really hate it when our tax dollars are distributed to so-called welfare queens, or SNAP benefits are used to buy soft drinks. We’re quick to judge and slow to forgive, and are reluctant to give those we label as undeserving any breaks at all. But as the prophet Isaiah said so clearly, “God’s ways are not our ways, nor are God’s thoughts, our thoughts.” And thank God for that!
Thought for the Day: When do I feel like the elder brother?
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