Moreover we see from the actions of the father that the son was also loved throughout, as well as forgiven throughout.
This is very true. Allow me to add a thought or more.
This parable is found in Luke 15: 12 - 32 (I just read the thing in less than 2 minutes).
1.) Is this parable about becoming children of God or is it about the joy the father experienced when he has his son safe at home?
2.) This "repentance" we speak of, not found in the text itself, per se, ----- was it a repentance based upon grief for having sinned against the father, or were those words used by the prodigal to gain acceptance and a hot meal with his father (v v17,18)
3.) Is the father's acceptance shared before or after the "statement of repentance?'
If after -- who benefited from this confession, the son or the father? (v20)
4.) The remaining son -- selfish or not (v v 25-29).
5.) The remaining son ---- accepted or not (v v 31).
6.) Is the father concerned that his children do the right thing, make good decisions
---------- v 32.
How many really mature and (spiritually) healthy sons were in this family? 1, 2 or 0?
Can we say that the father loved both no matter what?
Do we suppose that the father wanted his sons to act out in a righteous way? (v 32)
Does unconditional love negate a father's concern for right actions on the part of his children?
Why are the sons accepted? Their right actions? Or, simply because the father loves them?
You read, you decided
Pastor Smithson
