The Parable of the Lost Son

[Simona25]

Luke 15, 11-32:

[SUP]11 [/SUP]Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. [SUP]12 [/SUP]The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. [SUP]14 [/SUP]After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. [SUP]15 [/SUP]So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. [SUP]16 [/SUP]He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

[SUP]17 [/SUP]“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! [SUP]18 [/SUP]I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. [SUP]19 [/SUP]I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ [SUP]20 [/SUP]So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

[SUP]21 [/SUP]“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

[SUP]22 [/SUP]“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. [SUP]23 [/SUP]Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. [SUP]24 [/SUP]For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

[SUP]25 [/SUP]“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. [SUP]26 [/SUP]So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. [SUP]27 [/SUP]‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

[SUP]28 [/SUP]“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. [SUP]29 [/SUP]But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. [SUP]30 [/SUP]But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

[SUP]31 [/SUP]“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. [SUP]32 [/SUP]But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

 

[GodIsSalvation]

This is my absolute favorite parable. Always touches me so deeply.

 

[Simona25]

This is my absolute favorite parable. Always touches me so deeply.

Mine too .

I didn't have time to write in the opening comment what is the purpose of this thread.
Well, I would like to hear what people understand by "distant country" , "he came to his senses", "he was dead and now is alive again, he was lost and now is found".
More questions later.

 

[Simona25]

This is my absolute favorite parable. Always touches me so deeply.

My favourite part of the parable is this: “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."

The fact that the father saw him while the son was still a long way off, implies that the father was actually waiting for him. All these years while the son missed, the father has waited for him and when he saw the son coming home, the father ran to him. He didn't waited for the son to ask for forgiveness, he ran with a crazy joy towards him. In those times, an old jew running (showing his feet) was something very humiliating.
So, although we wrong God, when we show the slightest sign of repentance, God humiliates himself and forgive with an incredible love and a childish joy everything that we had done wrong.

 

[GodIsSalvation]

Mine too .

I didn't have time to write in the opening comment what is the purpose of this thread.
Well, I would like to hear what people understand by "distant country" , "he came to his senses", "he was dead and now is alive again, he was lost and now is found".
More questions later.

Ah my interpretation is it is possible to go back to God.

Honestly, when I was starting to realize how error-filled all the atheist doctrines were and was reading through the Gospels just from objective standpoint, this parable really struck me hard. I have to say, even now it chokes me up and has me nearly in tears.

I really feel this one. It's like the son was ashamed and terrified to return to his father, even willing to simply be a lowly servant so he wouldn't keep starving to death. His father took him back with full rights as a son. It's beyond beautiful of a parable. This is a parable all about conversion and redemption. Anyone, be they atheist, muslim, buddhist, hindu, etc. can break the chains of the evil world and return to Jesus. He awaits patiently.

 

[Simona25]

Ah my interpretation is it is possible to go back to God.

Honestly, when I was starting to realize how error-filled all the atheist doctrines were and was reading through the Gospels just from objective standpoint, this parable really struck me hard. I have to say, even now it chokes me up and has me nearly in tears.

I really feel this one. It's like the son was ashamed and terrified to return to his father, even willing to simply be a lowly servant so he wouldn't keep starving to death. His father took him back with full rights as a son. It's beyond beautiful of a parable. This is a parable all about conversion and redemption. Anyone, be they atheist, muslim, buddhist, hindu, etc. can break the chains of the evil world and return to Jesus. He awaits patiently.

Indeed. I almost forgot that this parable is about the lost son. I am actually amazed by the love of the father.
You have to understand that in those times, the sons received their part of fortune only after the death of the father. So, according to the mentality and context, the son offended very very deeply his father. It's like he has said "You are dead to me. Give me my money!". This is why the son didn't feel worthy of coming back as a son, but he wanted to come back as a servant. Because he was sure that no father in his right mind would forgive such an insult. Can you understand how crazy that father was? He didn't even wait for the son to make his confession; he was so quick in forgiving and forgetting what the son did!

 

[GodIsSalvation]

Indeed very much!

 

[gb9]

also, keep in mind that this was a planned action that the son thought about and then carried it through. he went to his father, asked for the money, then left. this was most likely not done in the heat of a disagreement. so, as Christ told the parable, he made sure to point out to his hearers that the son willfully and pre-meditated his asking for it and leaving.

 

[Simona25]

also, keep in mind that this was a planned action that the son thought about and then carried it through. he went to his father, asked for the money, then left. this was most likely not done in the heat of a disagreement. so, as Christ told the parable, he made sure to point out to his hearers that the son willfully and pre-meditated his asking for it and leaving.

The son was so much more guilty (and unloving toward his father) as he knew exactly what he was doing; he was bad and he knew it.
Why do you think he went in a "distant country"? Why not "a neighbour country"?

 

[eternally-gratefull]

This parable should be a blessing to every one of Gods children.

Distant country - He walked away and got lost (think of the lost sheep)

Came to his senses - The loss of his fathers blessings made him realize just how incapable of handling his own life he was. With his father, he was blessed beyond belief, Without he was lonely, Found out how bad the world really is, And totally hopeless.

Dead - Anytime your by yourself. your dead, Hopeless. No life. All you do is try to do what you can to fill that hole in your life caused by leaving the body, God and hope. And your life has no meaning, your away from what gave real meaning to your life. This is like death (I Know I experienced it for 5 years)

Alive again - Returning to the father, You again are in access to his blessings, Your fathers house (body of Christ, real spiritual family) Your life once again has meaning.

Lost. You were in a foreign land (this world is not our home) You were alone, you were walking aimlessly with no guide, no place to call home, Homeless, Desperately searching for your Shephard, Like a sheep you have gone astray, and you are in danger of being devoured by the evil one and his army.

Found - Now you have found the flock, You heard your masters voice calling you., and you returned with him to the flock. Protected by the master.

 

[Simona25]

This is why the son didn't feel worthy of coming back as a son, but he wanted to come back as a servant. Because he was sure that no father in his right mind would forgive such an insult. Can you understand how crazy that father was? He didn't even wait for the son to make his confession; he was so quick in forgiving and forgetting what the son did!

I want to add something to what I've said here. The son came back as a servant not only because he was sure that the father wouldn't forgive him, but because he really felt unworthy of forgiveness. He knew that it wouldn't be fair to show up as a son. Not after what he did.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

I want to add something to what I've said here. The son came back as a servant not only because he was sure that the father wouldn't forgive him, but because he really felt unworthy of forgiveness. He knew that it wouldn't be fair to show up as a son. Not after what he did.

Yep, He knew, As we all should. But his father let him know. He never stopped being the son.

This is true unconditional love, The kind the father wants his children to know he has for all of us.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

The son was so much more guilty (and unloving toward his father) as he knew exactly what he was doing; he was bad and he knew it.
Why do you think he went in a "distant country"? Why not "a neighbour country"?

I would not say he was unloving, He wanted to see if he could make it on his own. I think we all do this at one time in our christian lives, Some stay away longer than others.

It comes from lack of faith, Not in evil desire.

 

[Simona25]

This parable should be a blessing to every one of Gods children.

Distant country - He walked away and got lost (think of the lost sheep)

Thank's for your reply. Indeed, the parable of the lost son is a continuation of the "lost and found series" of parables from the gospel of Luke. A woman that loses a coin, a sheep that gets lost and finally, the son that intentionally gets lost. He choses to go in a distant country. Why do you think he wants to go so far?

Came to his senses - The loss of his fathers blessings made him realize just how incapable of handling his own life he was. With his father, he was blessed beyond belief, Without he was lonely, Found out how bad the world really is, And totally hopeless.

So, you're saying that by coming to his senses, he aknowledged the loss of his father's blessings.
Could it be that the son was so determined to be independent that he chose to lose every contact with his father (hence, the distant country) and he even "forgot he had a father". So, when he came to his senses, it was the first time when he even remembered his father.

Dead - Anytime your by yourself. your dead, Hopeless. No life. All you do is try to do what you can to fill that hole in your life caused by leaving the body, God and hope. And your life has no meaning, your away from what gave real meaning to your life. This is like death (I Know I experienced it for 5 years)

So, we're dead when we are separated from God.

Alive again - Returning to the father, You again are in access to his blessings, Your fathers house (body of Christ, real spiritual family) Your life once again has meaning.

We were dead, now alive, in Christ. We are resurrected in Christ.
So, we are alive only when we are in comunion with Christ.

Lost. You were in a foreign land (this world is not our home) You were alone, you were walking aimlessly with no guide, no place to call home, Homeless, Desperately searching for your Shephard, Like a sheep you have gone astray, and you are in danger of being devoured by the evil one and his army.

I love how you use the dichotomy foreign land (without God)/ our home (under God's love and protection).

Found - Now you have found the flock, You heard your masters voice calling you., and you returned with him to the flock. Protected by the master.

Thank you for your contribution.

 

[Simona25]

I would not say he was unloving, He wanted to see if he could make it on his own. I think we all do this at one time in our christian lives, Some stay away longer than others.

It comes from lack of faith, Not in evil desire.

But what if he would have made it on his own? What if instead of losing his money and eating with the pigs, he would have had success?

 

[eternally-gratefull]

Thank's for your reply. Indeed, the parable of the lost son is a continuation of the "lost and found series" of parables from the gospel of Luke. A woman that loses a coin, a sheep that gets lost and finally, the son that intentionally gets lost. He choses to go in a distant country. Why do you think he wants to go so far?

because as all people who want to be alone and try to do it themselves, they want to get as far away as possible.

So, you're saying that by coming to his senses, he aknowledged the loss of his father's blessings.
[/COLOR][/B]Could it be that the son was so determined to be independent that he chose to lose every contact with his father (hence, the distant country) and he even "forgot he had a father". So, when he came to his senses, it was the first time when he even remembered his father.

No, I can not believe that. I heard God call me all the time, I remembered him all the time, after certain sins, I would say to myself. what are you doing, is this really making you happy (of course that was the HS telling me those things) I started thinking about going back a few years before I did. But I was not ready, God had to break me first. and I praise God he did.

So, we're dead when we are separated from God.

yes, it is like we are dead. It does not say we are literally dead, or no longer the father's son though, we must be careful not to add to the words of Christ.

We were dead, now alive, in Christ. We are resurrected in Christ.
So, we are alive only when we are in comunion with Christ.

I was alive the moment I trusted christ for his salvation and he adopted me into his family. I never stopped being the son, the continued chastening of the spirit proved that. I lost communion, but I never lost the sonship.

I love how you use the dichotomy foreign land (without God)/ our home (under God's love and protection).

thanks, that is what it felt like.

Thank you for your contribution.

your welcome

 

[eternally-gratefull]

But what if he would have made it on his own? What if instead of losing his money and eating with the pigs, he would have had success?

I think scripture is clear on the fact this will never happen.

someone who truly has been blessed by God and has felt his love and forgiveness will never succeed. The only people who would would be the people who were never adopted as Gods children, Never experienced what his father has to give him. they do not know what they are really missing, so as they did in the world. they may think they have success..

As for me, I had alot of money, Alot of so called friends, Alot of personal pleasure and things. Everything the world would consider success. But non of it could fill the hole left in my life by leaving God. The world and its things can not do this.

 

[GodIsSalvation]

I personally always saw the son's decision to leave as more of headstrong/pride issue than explciit hatred.

Kindal ike when my lil sis turned 18 she got all rebellious and moved out 3 hours away, started dating some shady dude, renting house she could barely afford, bar-hopping, and all that. She never did it cause she hates my parents, in fact she always got along with my parents probably better than myself. Heh I knew she'd be back though, and after almost a year sure enough she wanted to come back and we were all very happy in my family that she did.

 

[Simona25]

[/QUOTE]because as all people who want to be alone and try to do it themselves, they want to get as far away as possible.

I agree. I believe he wanted to go as far as possible, so nobody would know him, so he can live his life however he pleases to, without having to give explanations. Something like that verse from a song "with the lights off, it's less dangerous". In our case, in a distant country, it's less shameful and less compromising. If the story happened today, the prodigal son, would be a rich boy from the province that wants to "make it in New York", or wants to live a life of debauchery in Las Vegas.
Anyway, the distant country is a country where nobody knows you, nobody cares about what you do, you do not feel ashamed about what you do because everybody else is doing it too etc. The distant country is a country that is "alive" in sin.

No, I can not believe that. I heard God call me all the time, I remembered him all the time, after certain sins, I would say to myself. what are you doing, is this really making you happy (of course that was the HS telling me those things) I started thinking about going back a few years before I did. But I was not ready, God had to break me first. and I praise God he did.

So, you believe that the son always had the father in his mind, not only when he came to his senses?

How do you understand that "he came into his senses"?

yes, it is like we are dead. It does not say we are literally dead, or no longer the father's son though, we must be careful not to add to the words of Christ.

I haven't read any comment about we being "literally dead" or about we "no longer being the father's sons"...
I mean, besides you, no one put those words in sentences.

 

[Simona25]

Ohh...I tried editing over and over again to put the quotes in the right place and it still looks bad. So, the post 19 is a bit more difficult to understand, but I hope you will manage to read what I say, separately from what you, eternally-grateful, say.