Ten Minutes for Teachers
Mar. 18, 2007
Vol. 7, Issue 3

Worship Texts:  Psalm 32; 2 Cor. 5:16-21; Luke 15:11-32
Worship Theme:  Being Found on the Way
Other Texts:  Joshua 5:9-12
 
Devotion: 
Jesus’ words in Luke 15:11-32 are a response to the grumbling from Jesus’ critics that “this fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them” (v. 2).  As such, the story Jesus tells is intended to illuminate God’s true character.  The overview from Augsburg Press’ Season of the Spirit is spot on …

“The third parable is often called The Prodigal Son.  As the actual meaning of prodigal is ‘excessively extravagant’ or ‘lavish,’ perhaps a better title would be The Prodigal Father.  A child who rejects family and wastes the family fortune is not news.  Neither is a child who harbours resentment that a parent might forgive such a sibling.  However, a parent who is willing to risk prestige and wealth to let a child leave the family and then extend forgiveness when life apart from family sours – this is news.  It’s good news when we consider how this is a story about God’s nature (emphasis added).

“According to Jewish customs of the time, the younger of the two sons would receive one-third of the estate at the time of the father’s death.  In handing over the younger son’s portion of the inheritance, the father allows himself to be killed metaphorically.  The younger son takes the fortune and lives as if his father were dead.

“Perhaps the most striking element of this story for Jesus’ original hearers would have been the image of a father running to meet his son.  Men of wealth and position never ran in public and certainly never ran to someone who held a less honourable position.  Also, the fatted calf killed at the son’s return would only have been prepared for a visiting dignitary or for the wedding of one’s child, both opportunities to demonstrate prestige in the community.  The father discounts such honour in welcoming home the ‘lost’ son.

“This father had powerful love for both the younger and the elder sons.  Jesus speaks through this parable of God’s love for all, both the ‘sinners’ and the Pharisees.” – Seasons of the Spirit:  Lent-Easter:  Ages 12-14, pg. 21. 

Something to Chew On:
As you have opportunity to chew on this parable – a parable you have likely heard before – which character in the parable do you think about the most.  Is it the son who wanders away from home?  Or what about the son who stays behind and gets ignored despite his obedience and good, clean history?  Or, finally, what about the father who is able to overcome any feelings of betrayal, anger or hurt and lavishes love upon his child?

Parables are excellent means of teaching and formation because they draw us into the events of the story and expose our emotions.  Based on our reaction, they signify the “stuff” of our soul – what we deem to be important and meaningful.  They also serve as a type of “check-up” to help us see if our own priorities and character are lining up with God’s character and desires.

Try reading the other parables in Luke 15 (the shepherd and the lost sheep and the woman and the lost coin).  What emotions do they elicit?  What characteristics about God do they reveal?
 
Prayer for the day:
“Merciful God, thank you for forgiving us time after time and welcoming us always as your beloved children.  Expand our hearts, that we might be agents of your reconciliation in our families and communities.  Amen.” - Seasons of the Spirit:  Ages 12-14. Pg. 21