We begin our tale in the book of Luke, chapter 15, verse 11…
Hold everything. Let’s back up a bit. Why did Jesus speak in parables?
Matthew 13
10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
It is apparent parables were taught so disciples who were sensitive to spiritual teachings could be taught by the Spirit, and understood by the spirit.
“The Prodigal,” although the headliner to the famous parable, is really only half the story. Often left out of the credits is the older, faithful brother, who experienced a faith crisis of sorts.
(For the sake of this post, we’re going to skip the younger son’s verses in Luke 15:11-24)
On to Luke 15:25…
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
“And he was angry…”
And, why was he angry?
Because he forgot that the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate. And, that there is room enough for all of us to become like God. And, because of that, each person we know is worth worlds!
How would you write the next verse? So, on to verse 33.
