Tim Keller once posed a thought-provoking question: “You have two sons—one good, one bad. But they’ve both been alienated from the father. And you come to realize, they both want the father’s things but not the father.” This dilemma isn’t just a parable; it mirrors the way we often relate to God. We find ourselves using God as a means to our own ends, leading to a precarious spiritual bargain.
The Universal Problem: Bargaining with God:
In our faith journeys, we’ve all, at some point, tried to strike a deal with God. We create an unspoken agreement, expecting God to deliver our desires in exchange for our obedience. It’s a subtle way of using God to achieve our desires, rather than seeking the Father Himself. But what happens when we feel God isn’t holding up His end of the bargain?
The Gospel Context: Jesus and the Sinners:
In the backdrop of Jesus’ ministry, we find a diverse group—sinners, tax collectors, and religious leaders. He’s teaching, associating, and even dining with them. One group is labeled as “very, very bad,” and the other as “very, very good.” Amidst this tension, Jesus unveils a profound parable.
Discovering the Heart of the Parable:
This parable unveils two distinct characters—the younger son, representing the irreligious, and the older son, symbolizing the religious. Both, however, are lost. Both are guilty of using the Father for their personal gain instead of delighting in Him. Both are destructive in their own ways.
The Younger Son: “I Owe Me”:
The younger son’s audacious demand for his inheritance is an act of declaring, “I owe me.” His actions reflect immediate gratification—seeking blessings, answers, and divine interventions only when it serves his desires.
The Older Son: “You Owe Me”:
Conversely, the older son’s words drip with entitlement: “You owe me.” His resentment surfaces when the Father celebrates the younger son’s return. He’s the embodiment of keeping score, demanding recompense for his years of service.
Our Struggles with These Mindsets:
These mindsets aren’t confined to biblical parables. We can identify with them. We may slip into immediate gratification, expecting swift blessings from God. Or, like the older son, we might harbor bitterness when life doesn’t align with our expectations.
The Gospel Solution: Grace Beyond Measure:
In the face of these attitudes, the Gospel shines brighter. Where our sin is great, God’s grace is greater. His grace abounds when we say, “I am not worthy.”
Finding Grace Through Confession:
Confession is the turning point where we come to the end of ourselves and find grace. The father’s grace was waiting for the younger son, but he had to admit his unworthiness.
You Always Have a Place Back Home:
Remember this: You always have a place back home with the Father. He went out to meet both of His lost children, longing for them to return.
In conclusion, the parable of the Two Lost Sons is not just a story of two brothers—it’s a reflection of our own spiritual journeys. It reminds us that grace isn’t a transaction; it’s a gift. We must strive to see the Father Himself as the ultimate prize, not just what we can gain from Him. As we embrace grace beyond ourselves, we discover a deeper, more profound connection with the Father—a connection that transcends bargaining and rests in His boundless love.
The story isn’t finished here. It continues with the Father’s response, which we’ll explore next week. But for now, let’s rest in the assurance that grace is always available, even when we’ve wandered far from home.