Lost sheep, lost coin, lost son. These are one big parable. Unfortunately, this intentionality sometimes gets lost in our headings, indicating that these three are separate parables. It also loses a bit of continuity when we name the third one the "Prodigal Son." But in context Luke says, "He told them this parable" meaning the three stories he laid down side by side. They all had something in common. Something was lost. Furthermore, when Jesus repeats himself, its always good to listen carefully. He might not be simply doing this to be a good teacher by being repetitive. Perhaps, he is also setting something or someone up. Maybe he is going to tweak our expectations.
The first two parables have a pattern: Something is lost, and someone goes looking to find it, then it is found, and it culminates in a party. They also have a ridiculous angle to them. Why does the shepherd leave 99 sheep to find one? Why does the woman spend her day searching for a coin (doesn't she have more important responsibilities?), and then she throws a party (which likely costs money)? And who really throws a big party because of these things anyways? Perhaps things aren't what they seem...
But when it comes to the third parable (the lost son) it gets way more drawn out and elaborate. The younger son essentially tells his dad to drop dead and cough up the inheritance early. And he leaves quite freely. But keep in mind that Jesus already has this pattern set up: Lost, searching, found, party. But then something unexpected happens - no one searches for the lost son. True the younger son still comes back. But the oldest son does not go out of his way to find him. Why is that? The story still ends the same way... it culminates in a party... However, this time there is an element of tragedy. The older brother is still bitter against the younger and is in danger of missing out on all fun.
The first two stories, therefore, were a set up for Jesus to corner the pharisees. He then pegs them in the third: In comes the older son who would rather have the Father deal with his children according to law and not grace, and then excludes himself from the Father's goodness, the party, and the whole point (sound familiar?) It always has and will always be by grace that anyone receives the Father's blessing. Crazy grace makes the pharisees choked.
Another thing to consider: a lot of people assume that the party in the parables are about when we get to heaven. But Jesus tells this parable specifically because the pharisees muttered about him partying and rejoicing with sinners here on earth. The whole point of the parable is that the pharisees are in danger of missing out on the party here and now! Jesus is drinking, eating and rejoicing over sinners because that is what heaven is doing. "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." And if the pharisees reject the party that is happening now then they will also reject and miss out on what is soon to come.
And notice that the party isn't that lame. There is music and dancing. -- Not to say that our church services need to be about dancing and parties, because I'm sure even in a parable like this things would go back to "normal" after the party. But there certainly should be a bigger notion of rejoicing and partying in our church community and the kingdom that is around and within us when sinners repent. Just think of the rejoicing we would have if Christians hung out with lost sheep and had actual meaningful communication with them. That said, if one of my very own brothers turned back to Jesus, you better believe I'd throw a party! Maybe not so much dancing. But we would certainly have a pint of Guinness and cigars!
Now, I don't think everything is entirely up to us either. If you see the "hole" in the third story you will see that Jesus fills and completes it entirely and literally. He is in fact our older brother who was always with the Father from all eternity, who never disobeyed his Father's orders, and who possesses all that the Father has. And even though he is truly obedient in himself, he is also the one who faithfully goes out to find us like a good shepherd or a crazy woman looking for a coin.
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