“Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable.”
Matthew 13:34
A good story invites us to identify with its characters. Jesus’ stories did exactly that. In my favorite parable, the Prodigal Son, there are three main characters: the father and his two sons, and it is the sons whom we all relate to.
The younger was restless and wanted to leave home. The father agreed to fund the son’s escapade. Carelessly, the young man squandered all the resources his father had given him. Finally, with nowhere else to turn, he changed direction and headed back to his father’s house, sorrowful and humbled. Many of us have known what it is to hit “rock bottom” like this.
Though the elder brother never left home, he was lost as well. In his jealousy, he was furious that his father welcomed the younger brother home. A person can hardly help feeling some sympathy for the older brother. After all, he had remained faithful. But he also causes us to examine our own self-righteousness and lostness. Our hearts finally realize that we are covered in the righteousness of Jesus and are safe in the care of our Father who runs to us.
The younger was restless and wanted to leave home. The father agreed to fund the son’s escapade. Carelessly, the young man squandered all the resources his father had given him. Finally, with nowhere else to turn, he changed direction and headed back to his father’s house, sorrowful and humbled. Many of us have known what it is to hit “rock bottom” like this.
Though the elder brother never left home, he was lost as well. In his jealousy, he was furious that his father welcomed the younger brother home. A person can hardly help feeling some sympathy for the older brother. After all, he had remained faithful. But he also causes us to examine our own self-righteousness and lostness. Our hearts finally realize that we are covered in the righteousness of Jesus and are safe in the care of our Father who runs to us.
Scripture Focus
Luke 15:11-31
Insight
FAVORITE PARABLE by Yvonne Swope who has composed eight Anchors. She’s a wife, mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, caregiver, and friend. She and her husband live in a retirement center in Williamsburg, Virginia, where opportunities abound for sharing God’s love.
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 16
- Psalm 69
- John 10