I always felt it was a little unfair that the father treated the prodigal son so well but neglected the loyal son. If we think that Jesus was trying to emphasise God's joy when we turn from iniquity and repent, couldn't he have done it otherwise? He didn't need to refer to the other brother at all. Why not have one son who ran away and returned?
Do you think jesus was refering to something more by having the other son complain about not being favoured?
2007-09-03 19:40:48 · 6 answers · asked by tuthutop 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think the significance of the older brother is lost on most people. Remember what his father said to him - that he will inherit all that the father has. The prodigal has lost his inheritance, but the older son has not. Also ask why is the older son also not joyous at his younger brother's return? The older brother is not grateful for what he has and is jealous that the father would pay attention to the younger son. I think that the father represents God and his forgiving attitude, while the older son is like the church at times, inheriting everything but ungrateful at times for what he has.
2007-09-03 20:20:29 · answer #1 · answered by RedKnight 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The second son served his father faithfully, but still had to be reminded that he would inherit everything. Read the account carefully, and you will see that the father said nothing about giving the prodigal son a further inheritance, even though the father did kill the fatted calf and brought out the best robe for his prodigal son. In Galatians 6, we read that what you sow, you will reap. Yes, you can be forgiven, and the whole world cannot buy one soul. But the point is to come into a good development in a life with God, so that while we are reaping from our past, we also sow to the Spirit. The fruit from that will go with us into eternity. If a person loses his life in this world, he will keep it for eternal life. Luke 9:23, 24. Our life in this world is, among other things, what is written in 1 John 2:16,17 "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever." So we see that "the world" is actually not possessions, or worldly organizations, but rather the personal lusts that are within. Whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:25. When we surrender our lusts into Jesus' death, then we begin to partake of eternal life within, here in this life. The way is narrow, but it leads to life. Matthew 7:13,14. The prodigal son had wasted his inheritance - his time - therefore he could not share in what the second son had acquired in the father's service.
2007-09-04 03:35:33 · answer #2 · answered by thinkinboy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The prodigal son illustration doest support the idea of treating good followers poorly and those that have lead an immoral life and returned better.
It only means that God will accept people back to him if they are genuine.
He isn't so concerned about what we have done , but rather what we are doing now.
So it doesn't matter if we have lead an immoral life , God is open to take is back if we truly want to live by his standards.
Of course once again , it must be genuine repentance and proved by a turning away from all previous bad behavior.
This however is not limited to being immoral or wasting money.
Today this illustration would also mean not only turning away from all sorts of sin , but also rejecting this ungodly world of Satan and the un-Christian religious practices that are polluting true worship.
For more information plz feel free to email me.
2007-09-04 02:55:20 · answer #3 · answered by I♥U 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not all that mysterious unless you look at it too literally. It's a parable. They aren't really father, son and brother. Compare the parable of the laborers. The ones who started at dawn were upset that the late afternoon arrivals got paid as much as they did. The message is that salvation is salvation, and that every Christian is equal. Apparently there were Christians who felt that their loyalty and seniority should earn them more respect somehow. And Jesus didn't believe in pecking orders and hierarchies (unlike some of his followers).
2007-09-04 03:11:17 · answer #4 · answered by skepsis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Kind of like Christians who complain, haven't I done this for you and that for you and why are you blessing them more than me?
I think that second brother was very vital to the story.
Christians, it is not by works less any man boasts. Those who are forgiven much, love much.
2007-09-04 02:50:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes the other brother is just as important. he did not suffer as the younger one did but he was still not at the part ) heaven) because of his resentment he shut himself out. even though the Father ( God) begged him to come in he refused. we can only see heaven when we repent and accept God's invitation.
2007-09-04 03:05:03 · answer #6 · answered by Mim 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋