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Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Out in the Cold For No Good Reason
Luke 15:11-32
This is the story of the Prodigal Son, a young man who left home and family behind for the "good life," only to wreck his life and lose everything. Returning home, he's happily surprised with a royal welcome instead of retribution. But that's not the end of the story.
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The older brother wouldn't join the party.
Up to that last paragraph, Jesus' story was just about perfect.
Sad strange beginning -- The younger brother breaks Dad's heart by insisting on his share of the inheritance right now and riding off to eat, drink, and make merry.
Dramatic middle -- The playboy's money runs out, and so do his good-time friends. He ends up slopping pigs (a nice Jewish boy!) and starving in the bargain. He "comes to," shakes off his stupidity, and decides to go back home with his tail between his legs. He even makes up a penitent speech, rehearsing it over and over on the road.
Surprise upbeat ending -- Dad spots him on the horizon, runs out to hug and kiss him, and calls for every sign of honor to be lavished on our hero. "He's alive! He's home!! Let's party!!!" And they do, with great gusto.
The end. Not!
Like too many preachers, Jesus rushes right past his great punchline. He brings up the older son -- the guy who refuses to come in and enjoy the party for his rascally kid brother.
When the servants tell Dad the discordant news, he comes out to invite his son personally.
The reply is petulant. "I never left you. In fact, I've slaved away without a single complaint. And you never threw a party for me!"
Ol' Dad says, "You know, everything I have is yours. We could have had parties any time you wanted, but you never asked. It never even crossed your mind."
What's up with that?
Luke 15:1-2 says Jesus told this story to answer complaints by the good, dutiful, religious people who didn't like his public habits. "He spends much too much time with lowlifes and blatant sinners," they said. So what kind of holy man is he?!
Instead of grousing about grace (undeserved, unexpected kindness from God), Jesus seems to be saying, we'd all do well to recognize and celebrate it even when it lands on people we would never think to give it to. Undeserved... unexpected... by definition. Get it?
I don't know about you. But every time I think I've got that one nailed, somebody comes along to play Prodigal Son in my life. And I have to re-learn it all over again.
Truth be told, not one of us comes home to God without somehow walking in the tattered sandals of the younger son to get there. So why even try to wear the self-righteous mantle of his big brother?
It's dark and cold outside of God's Welcome-Home Party. And there's absolutely no reason for anyone to linger there. The doors are always open!
posted by Jack Buckley at
11:10 AM
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