“A man had two sons”

Read Luke 15:11-32

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The parable of the prodigal son is really a single story of two sons, both of them equally lost. The rebellious younger son left home (12-16) but eventually “came to his senses” (17) – he knew that he must swallow his pride and return contritely to his father (18-19). However far we wander from God, there is always a way back if we are willing to take the first step (Lk.13:24; Acts 3:19).

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The father demonstrates vividly the joy that God has whenever a sinner repents (15:7,10). This third parable in the set illustrates not God’s seeking of the lost but his overflowing welcome when his lost children return and sonship is fully restored (20-24; Rom.8:15-17). The same unconditional love and compassion extends to us all (Ps.103:8,10; 1 Jn.4:19).

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That includes the older brother – he too is loved by the father and shares in his blessing, despite his resentment and pride (25-32). He represents the Pharisees who despised Jesus for welcoming “sinners” (15:1-2). “It is hard for me to concede that this bitter, resentful, angry man might be closer to me than the lustful younger brother. Yet the more I think about the elder son, the more I recognise myself in him” (Henri Nouwen).