Parable of the Prodigal Father

by Liz Lemon Swindle

The Face of Forgiveness 

Luke 15 11-32

There are many artistic renderings of the parable of the Prodigal Son. But this depiction of the father embracing his son, in this painting by Liz Lemon Swindle, is by far outstanding. Firstly, because of its focus on the father, who is the one who personifies the message of the parable. Secondly, how beautifully she captures the character of forgiving-love seen on the father's face.  

Some have suggested that this parable might also be called the Parable of the Prodigal Father. The English word prodigal comes from a Latin word meaning, "lavish". The Son is lavished in his wasteful spending of his inheritance. The father is lavished in his forgiving-love for his son on his return. It is the father after all, who is the principal character of the parable.

Jesus is not only teaching about God's forgiveness, he is giving us a glimpse into the true character of that forgiveness. This parable is one that we should return to frequently for our prayer. Here are some points to used as a focus for prayer with this passage.

THE YOUNGER SON

• This son has no love for his father, nor does he love his brother. He rejects his family, and thinks only of himself. There is nothing lovable about his character.

• The son preys on his father's kindness, knowing that he will accept to let his son be given the freedom he desires to make his own decisions, and face the consequences of the choices he makes. We too have been given the free will to make our own decisions and so must take responsibility for our decisions. 

• The son has been taught by his father's example, what the face of goodness looks like. He chooses to reject it. God alone determines what is truth and goodness. Our choice is whether to accept or reject God's truth.

• The son soon finds himself destitute and dying. The choice of self indulgence has its own reward, pleasure now, and in the end, death of the soul.

• The son's last desperate scheme, to minimize his physical pain while regret eats away his soul, is to return home and indulge his father.

THE FATHER

• The father's love for his has not been diminished by his son's total and predictable failure. It has taken on the character of compassion and forgiveness. (No sin is greater than God's love for us.)

• The father's love for his son has keep him in constant vigil until the day he sees him in the distance, retched and without dignity, returning home. (Every moment of every day, mercy and forgiveness awaits us.)

• The son expects loveless servitude. The father plans to lavish even more than what was lost. (Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast.) (Unconditional love) (An image of the soul entering heaven)

THE OLDER BROTHER

• The older son characterizes the mentality of the Pharisee. Neither brother has love for the other, and both fail to understand their father's love. (Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8)

• The older son (like a Pharisee) believes you earn favour and deserve to be rewarded. 

• The sight of compassion evokes resentment in this son - the fallen deserve what they get.  ("Go and learn what this saying means: 'I want mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Mtt 9:13)

It is important to remember that Jesus is addressing this story to the Pharisees. Understanding the cultural practices of those days, and the mentality common among the religious leaders, is important if we are to appreciate the depth of meaning behind each element of this parable; how we are to see the face of God in the face of this father.