In the parables, God’s ways are not depicted as we would expect. Jesus includes strange occurrences which catch our attention and make us look at the kingdom of God in a new way. This parable of The Prodigal Son, has some very unexpected details, especially when we look at the interactions between the father and the younger
son.
When the son requests, more like demands, his inheritance, he is most definitely not acting conventionally. Is he wishing his father was dead? Usually, inheritance is received upon the death of a loved one. In this case, the father granted the son’s request without too much discussion.
In the time of Jesus, the father’s generosity would have been seen as being reckless and foolhardy and he would probably have brought shame upon his household. Yet, he doesn’t think twice and grants his son’s wish.
This father has been desperate for his son to return. We are not told, but perhaps he looks out for him daily. When he does see his son “while he was still far off”, he runs to meet him, welcomes him, greets him and immediately restores him to his rightful place in the household. He didn’t wait for any apology or a confession. He welcomed his son back unconditionally. The type of behaviour shown by
this father was not the norm, it was unbecoming of a man in his position to run as he did.
How does Jesus use these odd occurrences to highlight the nature of God? What is he trying to tell us? What is he trying to make us see? Jesus is again demonstrating God’s grace. The grace that gives and restores unconditionally. The grace that is given no matter what your status or station in life.
How can you demonstrate God’s unconditional grace today?
