The parable that we are looking at this week is the parable of the prodigal father. I want to remind you that the main character is not the lost son, but the father. Also, I want to remind you of the definition of prodigal. The word prodigal is a very old English word that actually means extravagant. It does not speak of youthful rebellion or sinful living. The main idea behind the word prodigal is that of wastefulness and excess. A prodigal person is a big spender who spreads his resources around, someone who is recklessly openhanded with large gifts.
I want to submit to you that the father was more of a prodigal than his son ever was. We are seeing the prodigal nature of the father in 4 things this week. Already, we have seen the prodigal nature of the father in the Rebellion of the Son, the ruin of the son, and the repentance of the son. If you need to catch up, check out the archives at kevinivy.com and catch up on part one. Today we will see the prodigal nature of the father in the restoration of the Son. Look at what happens in verses 22-24. But the father said to his 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.
Not only did the father forgive him, but he restored him and he restored him in a prodigal (lavish, extravagant) way. He gave him a Robe. Every nobleman had a choice robe—an expensive, ornate, embroidered, one of a kind, floor length outer garment of the highest quality fabric and craftsmanship. Giving him the robe signified a greater honor than one would normally even think to confer on a son. This was the kind of courtesy reserved for an extremely prestigious dignitary. The father was publicly honoring his returning son not only as guest of honor at the banquet but also as a person of the utmost distinction.
He also gave him a Ring. This was the signet ring that had the family seal, so when the ring was pressed into melted wax on a formal document, the resulting seal served as legal authentication. The ring therefore was a symbol of authority.
He went on to give him Sandals. The sandals may sound like the least of the gifts, but they were highly significant. Hired servants and household slaves customarily went barefoot. Only masters and their sons wore footwear. This is not a servant. This is my son.
Finally, we see him kill the Fatted Calf. Such a calf would be grain fed only for an extraordinary occasion, such as the wedding of a firstborn son or a once in a lifetime banquet held to celebrate the arrival of an important dignitary. The animal would be carefully selected well in advance of the occasion, generously fed, diligently cared for, and kept penned up, apart from the herd. It would be enough to feed hundreds of people. Preparation would take the rest of the day, and the festivities would continue deep into the night. It would not be unusual for a party such as this to last three days or more.
The rebellious son had entrusted his life to the father, and the father had absolutely amazed and overwhelmed him by entrusting his resources to him. His father turned out to be the prodigal of the story. The prodigal nature of the Father was not met with open arms by everyone. The story goes on in verses 25-32.
"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.'"
Haven’t you always wondered, What happened then? Did he go in and celebrate? Did he walk away angry? Who knows? The ending simply isn't there. It leaves us hanging. There was an ending to the story however. Think about it. The father figure in the parable clearly represents Christ. The younger son in the parable represents the heathen, publicans, and tax collectors: the lost. The elder brother clearly represents the Pharisees, Scribes, and religious leaders. With all of that in mind, we can today fill in the remainder of the story, because we know how the elder brother responded to the father (Christ). The true ending of the story should read something like this: "The elder son was outraged at his father so he turned some of the servants against him and murdered him right in the very midst of the celebratory feast!" Ouch! The prodigal nature of the father (the lavish mercy, the excessive grace, and the extravagant forgiveness) is met with rage by the religious elite.
Christ is murdered. He is beaten, he is crucified, he is buried, and thankfully he is resurrected from the grave. The ironic thing is, even in his death he is pouring out grace, mercy, and forgiveness. The ending was not officially penned in the parable itself and I think that this is good. This allows for everyone who hears the story today to write his or her own ending by how they respond. How will you respond?
Will you crucify him all over again OR will you join the celebration by repenting of your sin, embracing the Gospel, and following Christ? The responsibility to rightly respond is yours.
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