Comments on: the prodigal son on his ear

By: Rick Frueh

Rick Frueh — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 18:25:47 +0000

All that may be true, however the gist of the parable is grace and forgiveness. The father’s exhibition of them and the elder son’s rejection of them.

By: Brendt Waters

Brendt Waters — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 21:54:14 +0000

Phil (#7): The very act of the son asking for his inheritance while the father was alive was an act deserving of death according to the law of the land.

I once heard it said that the son was, in essence, literally telling his father, “I can’t wait til you’re dead.”

Yikes.

By: Brendt Waters

Brendt Waters — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 21:52:40 +0000

I think it can be both (initial salvation and ongoing Christian walk). After all, I’m in no less need of grace now.

That said, I think the point that iMonk was making — and what I subsequently pulled out of it — is more (but not solely) applicable to our ongoing walk. At least it is for me and my stupid brain.

By: Rick Frueh

Rick Frueh — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:40:06 +0000

All bases cannot be covered in any one teaching. This parable does not deal with discipline and its interjection reduces the focus on grace, love, and forgiveness. Perhaps the youngest son suffered the loss of his inheritance on earth, but that still is conjecture.

Let us bask in the grace that is projected wonerderfully by this parable. The father recieves sinners, even those who are part of His family!

By: Neil

Neil — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:20:10 +0000

you are right, phil, that we need to be cautious how far to push/apply a parable – it is, after all, a parable not an allegory.

in context jesus was addressing the issue of pharisees complaining about his dealing with sinners.

By: Phil Miller

Phil Miller — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:11:11 +0000

though i guess another question is – is the point of the parable the ongoing christian life, or someone coming to god in faith for the first time?

N.T. Wright would say the point of the parable is Yahweh’s faithfulness to Israel despite her unfaithfulness to Him. The individual aspect of the parable can be extrapolated to an extent, but it probably wasn’t the original intent.

Of course Jesus also told parables that foretold of the coming judgment to Jerusalem, which was the consequence of sin and unfaithfulness. I guess my point is perhaps we need to be a little cautious trying make parables about us. I’m not saying it can’t or shouldn’t be done, but that’s not usually the first order meaning.

By: Neil

Neil — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:14:09 +0000

it can fit both scenarios – i just wondered if it was obvious which scenario jesus may have had in mind… guess i should just reread it and see.

By: Nathanael

Nathanael — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:08:08 +0000

Good question, Neil.
I know in my life, the parable relates to my first surrendering to Christ, and also to our ongoing relationship of me leaving and squandering my inheritance; and my Father not disowning me.

By: Neil

Neil — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:50:36 +0000

Discipline is not retribution.

agreed. discipline has as it’s root motivation the growth of the one being disciplined. you could also say discipline is not punishment.

i was just pondering the fact that there is, in that parable, an element of sin driving a relational wedge between the son and father, so sin does have consequences when it comes to god’s perspective and his dealing with us.

though i guess another question is – is the point of the parable the ongoing christian life, or someone coming to god in faith for the first time?

By: Nathanael

Nathanael — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:33:19 +0000

Discipline is not retribution.