The Parable of the Prodigal – Cecil May

Auditorium Class. 12-16-18 Thy Word Readings. Luke 15:11-32
If you are doing the readings, this past Thursday had you reading Luke 15:11-32, The Parable of the Prodigal. Again. Read it.
It is the story of the Jews/Gentiles – cf. Rom. Chapter 1-2 – Gentiles are bad and Jews are just as bad in their own way.
It is the story of a parent, who has very different children, and loves them each in their own way. The Enneagram – 7 and 1
7 “They see the world as their playground, and they are happiest when they are on the move, enjoying life, and going for one activity to the next.” (pg 167)…Simply stated they want more of what pleases them. This is also known as gluttony, which is the Seven passion.” (pg 170)
1 “1s are called Perfectionists, but they don’t like that title. They struggle with anger but they turn it in on themselves so it becomes resentment. Ones have a hard time believing that they are good enough or worthy because of a constant inner voice that finds fault with everything they do, so they settle for being right or correct. Ones have a judging/comparing mind. They notice error that others don’t see and they often feel a personal responsibility to correct it. They believe every step of the task should be done correctly, so they give their best, do their best, offer their best, and expect the same from others.”
Quotes from The Path Between Us, by Suzanne Stabile
It is the story of TWO lost sons.
The prodigal’s lostness is obvious.
The Elder son’s sin – Not having the heart of the father, and 1 John 3:10 “By this ist is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. Also, 1 J 4:20-21
We think the Prodigal is lost because of sins of commission, but in discussion group people thought the elder brother was maybe a bit misguided, but not lost because he did his duty. Thus we do not pay as much attention to the older brother. But if we are at Sunday School instead of on the golf course or fishing, we are more likely to relate more to the older brother than to the prodigal.
Reading of “The Elder Son’s Defense” by Jon Vannorsdall from A Chorus of Witnesses, eds, Long and Plantinga