From Feeding Swine To Guest Of Honour

 FROM FEEDING SWINE TO GUEST OF HONOUR- Luke 15-11-32.

The parable of the Prodigal son presents the children of men as of different characters, though all related to God as their common Father. Jewish leaders did not expect a Messiah who would embrace sinners, the outcasts, the downtrodden and those at the periphery of their society for transformation of their lives. And so the parable was given against this background that anyone who repents is acceptable into the Family of God.

That which is significant is not how deep the Prodigal son missed the mark but how the Father went out of His way to receive him back. One can call it- The Parable of the Love of God. The great love and affection wherewith the Father received the Son: When he was yet a great way off his Father saw him. He expressed his kindness before the son expressed his repentance. Misery is the object of pity, even the misery of a sinner; though he has brought it upon himself, yet God compassionates. 

The Prodigal son came slowly, dirty and from feeding swine under a burden of shame and fear, but the tender father ran to meet him. There are arms of mercy waiting to embrace us. The Father changed his status: Ring- a sign of authority and restoration, Robe - a sign of distinction and guest of honour and shoes- removal of slavery.

The community hates the Prodigal son and on his return would have thrashed him were it not for the costly intervention of the Father.  The community will come to the bouquet to show honour to the Father for his costly efforts at restoring his son. They will not attend the banquet in honour of the Prodigal son.

Thus the son could say to himself that evening, "My Father has ordered a bouquet in the presence of my enemies. The village does not like me. My brother hates me. My Father, on the road, in full view of the village demonstrated great love for me". Zacchaeus would have said the same when Jesus ate in his house.

To those coming back to the Father, do not focus on what the community is saying but rather focus on what God is doing. He prepares tables in the presence of our enemies. To God be the glory.

Rev B Chinhara