What, in the briefest terms, is the parable of the Prodigal all about? The answer is that it is a celebration of grace. If we define grace as ‘unconditional kindness given to an undeserving recipient at an uncomfortable cost’, we see that the parable illustrates all three aspects. We see in the younger son someone who is utterly undeserving. We see in the father, both in the gift of unconditional kindness and in the way he humiliates himself to bring the rebellious son back into the family, something of the uncomfortable cost of grace. These clearly show aspects of how God – Father, Son and Spirit – sacrificially pours out his love on us.

This account places three obligations upon us. We see the need to receive grace exemplified in the younger son; the need to reflect grace as shown by the father; and the need to rejoice in grace in contrast to the sourness of the elder brother.

This parable speaks to those who are in the distant land. It offers a message of promise and encouragement; it makes an appeal for them to start the journey back. It portrays a God who offers a welcome, showing grace and gentleness rather than judgement.

This parable speaks to those who find themselves in any way wielding authority, whether at work, church or home. The parable says that God’s way forward is through gentleness and restitution rather than through judgement and rebuke. It is, to use a cluster of images, to level the score sheet, to reset the clock, to wipe the slate clean. To do this, the parable suggests, will cost us something in pain or shame. If we are to be like God, we must bear that cost ourselves. Grace hurts.

This parable speaks to those who are bystanders to transactions of grace. To those who, when faced with the lost who are found through grace, find themselves tempted to adopt the scowl and clenched fist of the elder brother, it says, ‘Rejoice!’ We see clearly the unpleasantness into which we can slip when we stay away from fellowship with the Father and neglect to appreciate what grace is worth.

As we read – and reread – the parable of the Prodigal, we find that we are all in it somewhere, whether as the younger son, the father or the elder son. The way we can all find ourselves here is part of the parable’s genius. It is also part of its permanent challenge.

Extract from 'The Return'

By J.John and Chris Walley

To order 'The Return' click here