Greetings in Christ Jesus, fellow soldiers.
When studying a passage of Scripture, it is always important to study its surrounding context. Based on that context, what it the point of this particular passage? How does it fit into the larger picture/argument of the book? Where does it stand in history with relation to the cross?
In Luke 15, when Jesus tells us the parable of the Prodigal Son, He does not do so in a vacuum. First, we need to ask "What is a parable and what is a parable's purpose?" It is not a simple story or a good moral lesson--it is a difficult saying meant to impart truth as to the person and work of Jesus Christ, often in the face of some fundamentally flawed belief. Jesus uses parables to address these flawed beliefs with difficult sayings that will further enlighten those with the eyes to see and ears to hear (by the Holy Spirit), but serve to condemn those who are blind and deaf in their unbelief (Mark 4:10-12).
Next, we must ask where this parable is historically situated, as this will show us the problem that Jesus is addressing. The problem is shown in verses 1-2, where Jesus sits and dines with sinners while the religious leaders grumble. So we know that the problem revolves around two distinct hearts toward sinners: the heart of God in Jesus Christ and the heart of those who are wise in the eyes of the world.
Finally, we also need to understand this parable in connection with the string of parables to which it is connected. There are two other parables preceding this one: one of a lost sheep and one of a lost coin. What are the key themes of these two parables?
1) Something is lost--and this thing, whether sheep or coin, is unable to help itself.
2) Rescue--the one with power in each parable, whether shepherd or woman, finds and retrieves the lost.
3) Rejoicing--joined by friends and neighbors, the rescuer rejoices over the recovery of the lost things.
4) Explanation--in both cases, Jesus explains that there is joy in heaven over the one sinner who repents (as opposed to the deafening silence that greets the ninety-nine who are "righteous"--v7).
Putting all of these pieces together: Jesus is addressing a fundamental difference between the heart of God and the heart of man toward "sinners" by showing God's heart toward the broken and helpless, as well as toward those who rebelliously refuse to acknowledge their need for divine rescue.
What about you? Are you the recipient of divine grace by the hand of Jesus Christ, or are you one who grumbles at that grace? Do the angels of heaven rejoice at your rescue or stand in judgment at your rebellion?
Study Ahead: In verses 11 and 12, Jesus begins to tell the story of the "Prodigal Son." Who does this son represent in the real world? Who does the father represent? What transpires between the two? As a result of what transpires, what happens to the son (verses 13-16)?
No comments:
Post a Comment