Luke 15:11-19
Let’s continue to remember to pray for Jim and Marty – Debbie and Julie also!
“Notice what you notice.” Yes, I intentionally split the story of the Prodigal Son into two parts. And yes, it was because I wanted to keep all our readings under twenty verses (even though we’ve already failed in that respect). But it also presents us with a challenge. Reading only through verse 19 and not knowing the rest of the story, we could – as Jesus’ listeners did – wonder how it would end. The son has come to his senses – repented in his heart. Will he carry it through or have second thoughts on his way home? And if he continues, how will his father receive him? With warm affection or anger and judgment…? And what about the older brother? Will he be glad to see his younger brother or will he be angry with him for wasting the family’s resources – his own future! So, let’s read it again, only up through verse 19 and let the Holy Spirit speak to you.
Wealth (NASB), property (ESV), livelihood (NKJV)… Three different translations of the same Greek word, with three different meanings. Although we tend to think of property as something physical, especially land, that doesn’t make sense in this context. In verse 12b (ESV) the father is dividing his property between his sons, which could be land holdings. But then in verse 13b (ESV) the son squandered his property in reckless living. It doesn’t sound like “property” in this verse is land. Wealth could include property, but it is also more general and could easily be precious metals and cash balances that could be more easily divided – and more easily squandered. The third meaning, livelihood, puts the biggest bite on the father. Imagine the father’s livelihood being his flock of sheep, then selling one-third of the flock (the older brother would inherit twice what the younger brother would get) to meet his younger son’s request. Clearly the father’s livelihood has been reduced. Whatever meaning you choose, the son has dealt his father a mean blow.
Slava Bohu!