The Good Son

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is both famous and infamous.  It is one of those parables that is both used to uplift the righteous, and alleviate the guilt of the wicked.  It is sad that the most common interpretations or modern portrayals of this parable seem to focus on the latter. 

It is most apparent that the underlying lesson of this parable is so often not even seen, let alone comprehended.  What was the purpose for giving the parable?  Through whom was it given?  Who is the good son?  Why do so many wicked people, who often only feign repentance, degrade and insult the good son? 

While it is true that the wicked son does eventually experience circumstantial repentance and return to his father, the good son never left, and it is the good son’s farm that the father is living out the remainder of his days upon.  The disgusting nature of those who put down the good son, in favour of the returning prodigal, is sickening. 

The Father teaches the good Son an amazing lesson about His love for him, and teaches the good Son compassion.  The Father re-assures the good Son that He loves him as much as He loves his brother, and that He is not going to steal his farm to give to the brother.  The Father teaches the faithful Son the value of family, the value of a soul.  The penitent son now has a job on his brother’s farm and his place is secure.  To an earthly father, this would bring a great amount of peace when he passes. 

Why does the good son need to be taught this parable?  What fear is he living with and why?  Is it really self-righteousness, pride, and vanity, that so many wicked people assert?  Or is there a deeper fear?  How does this parable address that fear?  Is it possible that this parable was given as much for the righteous, as well as for the prodigals that have lost their way? 

Out of love for his Father and his penitent brothers, the Good Son, Christ, will welcome us home and give us jobs and share his inheritance with us.  What a great brother! 

Please do not put down Jesus, just because he had things to overcome as well.  Remember, he had to overcome all things, which is how he knows how to succor His people.  He knows us, He loves us, He has been one of us, and He wants us to be one with Him. 

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