Eternal lessons are embedded in the Bible stories children love. Fraught with timeless principles and lessons of life, they Ignite the imagination of youth, and continue to weigh heavily even on the aged disciple. For instance, the story of the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-32 is the subject of Sunday School lessons, sermons, songs, and is repeated often as a foundational principle of life. But, while the principals are a father and his two sons, it is the younger son who is always tagged as the prodigal. Has anyone ever seriously wondered if that is a correct interpretation? Think with me!
Of course, it was the younger, more immature son who wanted his share of his father’s estate immediately. He went on to squander it with feigned friends who deserted him when broke and hungry. So he got a job feeding pigs, and to keep from starving shared some of their slop. Then in the bitterness of his experience, and repentance, he made his way back to his father’s house to beg forgiveness.
Naturally, the father was elated to see his son, and particularly in a more mature and humble state of mind. But then there is the older brother, you know, the one who is always right, and never did anything wrong. He was not moved with compassion on his younger brother, and was less than happy that his father was now making a feast, and spending resources that would be his on the ne’er-do-well offspring. After all, he who served his father well had never been accorded a feast and such merriment.
What a clear picture of multiple lessons and two tangential attitudes of life! Doubtless, as long as the earth stands these scenarios will repeat themselves in every generation. But it is the idea of “Prodigal” that claims attention. Research shows the term originated in Latin as
“Prodigals” meaning “wasteful, lavish. reckless.” That term is derived from “prodigere” “to consume, squander.”
There can be no doubt that the younger son was indeed a prodigal son, but to his credit, he found repentance, and sanity that resulted in restoration, and usefulness of the rest of his days. But what about older brother? His life was a material success, but in the important virtues and principles of life he was far afield of his father’s compassion and will. His lot was one of selfishness, and wasted meaning by defining life in terms of materialism. Although loved and reasoned with by his father, there is no clear indication that he ever experienced a change of mind and heart. Could he be the real prodigal? Does his stereotyped kind stil claim a “better than thou” attitude in many churches? Could it be that both sons were prodigal in different ways, but the wrong son has been labeled the greater “Prodigal?” A thoughtful answer to this question may be somewhat disconcerting.
FOR THOUGHT: What are your thoughts on the story of the prodigal son? Have you ever perceived yourself to be a prodigal? Can you identify someone you know as a prodigal? In the sight of God might we all be prodigals at one time or another?