First, what about the "good son" who was upset when his father lavishly welcomed the lost son home? Could this parable be set in place to speak to what Jesus knew would become of the organized church? Jesus had to know that followers would eventually become so numerous that human nature would take over. In what way? In this way: only our group (church, denomination, etc.) is "doing" Christianity in a way that pleases God and therefore assures our place in Heaven. But, did He not die once for all?
The road to where demons dwell & "lostness" all starts really young with such as, "I want to do it MY self!" It goes on into the pre-teen and teen years as so many feel compelled to (as my grandfather Shaw called it) "climb fools hill"...rebellion against the family ways...maybe even running away from home literally or much more subtly in quasi-symbolic ways.
Have you ever noticed pets or farm animals that strain at the cage limits, wishing oh so strongly to "get out"? If they did, they have great risks from the cats, foxes, hawks, snakes, and other carnivorous life...not to mention cars & trucks on the highway. These caged ones have no idea of the dangers. Teens have an idea of the dangers, but the human ability to deny that dangers apply to "me"...psychological denial...is astonishingly powerful.
The Word gives many insights into handling children...even those who become
"wayward", lost, or "prodigal". Though referred to as the parable of the prodigal (recklessly wasteful,
extravagant) lost son, the following points apply equally well to wayward daughters.
Luke 15:11-32 is the story of the father with 2 sons. The older was super responsible; the younger asked for his
inheritance prior to the father's death...squandered it in loose living in foreign parts...sunk so low that he was actually feeding himself at the slop trough with the hogs. Ultimately, he returned to his home and family who celebrated his return...except
for the older brother who was self-righteous and resentful. The father had
grounds to make a big deal against both sons. Instead, he was tolerant (but not
condoning) as exhibited by the obvious foundation of his love, allowing his love
for his sons to prevail (that is, he was silent as to recrimination &
judgment). Could this be a clue to all going to Heaven?
The Bible gives insights as to how a wayward child goes about the return properly and how the family should act. As you read this parable, see if you can pick up on the following points.
| parent/child ACTIONS | Is action a Biblical REQUIREMENT to be fulfilled? | |
|---|---|---|
| parents: in a "tough love" way, pull out all of the stops, wrestling and struggling to keep the child from going "wayward"...take parenting responsibilities VERY seriously and with great love. | yes: Ephesians 6:4 | after reasonable efforts to appeal, stand back and and let rebellion happen; if too protective, the child may rebel & leave behind a wall of pride that resists ever being able to reconcile |
| parents: "...do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Jesus instructs in love, filled with love. | yes: Ephesians 6:4 | exasperation promotes rebellion |
| parents: ALLOW the unpreventable "leaving"; but finally do so without condemnation...doing it in love and in ultimate hope of reconciliation. | implied but not required Luke 15:12 | the sooner the hell-bent, determined fall, the sooner the chance for restoration |
| parents: turn it over to God in prayer and recurringly remember the child in prayer | yes: Proverbs 3:5-6 | call on the divine power of God to cause the rebellion to be brief & without tragedy. |
| child: maturely, sincerely recognize the error of your ways | (the 5th commandment) | essential to healing; honor parents with contriteness |
| child: must want the relationship restored | implied:......." | essential to psychological health and reunion |
| parent: must want the relationship restored | implied:......." | essential to psychological health and reunion |
| child: must give reasons why they "left" | no value | no value |
| child: make excuses for immature judgment | no value | no value |
| child: convince parents of blame/fault of others | no value | no value |
| child: pay a price of punishment or atonement to the parents | no value | no value |
| child: suffer the consequences of poor choices | no comment; a natural sequence. | invaluable and parents must allow this but may, with prayer and wisdom, soften some of the worst |
| child: must reject the ways they went to | implied: Luke 15:11-32 | essential; there must be complete turning away |
| child: must accept/embrace the ways they return to | implied: Luke 15:11-32 | otherwise, the child fools and uses the parent and thereby becomes stunted and dependent |
| child: clean yourself up! | implied: Luke 15:11-32 | essential to respect and growth |
| parent: clean yourself up. Is there any uncleanness on your part which may have contributed to the "leaving"? | general Biblical imperative of a living parental example of clean and righteous living | an essential, continuing part of the growing Christian life! |
September 1998 [last modified 13 June 2005]