This parable can be interpreted differently, depending on our perspective. Today, we will look at the younger son and decide whether we think he was manipulative, or whether he was truly sorry for what he had done.
Some may argue that the younger son repented, even though this is only implied in the expression “but when he came to himself”. He has squandered all he had, there is a great famine and he is down and out. He has nothing! He is desperate, and he is so hungry that he is willing to eat what the pigs eat. And worst of all, nobody helps him. This son then decides that he will go home to his father. He
decides that he will tell his father he has sinned against him and is willing to return home as a slave. He does all that he has decided and is welcomed with open arms.
The other perspective is that this son is manipulative and insincere. When he “came to himself”, he realised the situation he was in, and knew that in going home he would be in a far better position. His plan, as he said to himself “I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him” seems to be contrived and another manipulative strategy. Saying that he would live as a servant was bound to tug
at his father’s heart strings. He even rehearsed his speech. Is this really sincere, honestly-repentant behaviour?
Whichever perspective we take, however we look at this parable and judge the young son’s behaviour, does not change the fact that the father welcomed him back willingly, mercifully and exuberantly.
So, what is Jesus saying to us? Does God turn away the manipulators and the insincere? Is the kingdom of heaven only for those that are repentant? God’s arms are open and waiting to welcome all who are willing to come. There are no conditions, there are no rules, just come as you are.
How do you feel knowing that God will welcome you just as are? Do you extend that same type of grace to all you meet?
