Familiar Stories, Eternal Truths
Thank you for joining us again. Today, we read Luke chapters 14–16.
These are familiar stories to most Christians. From Ben-Hur (1959) to Finding Nemo (2003), the parable influenced cinema. This resonates since we can all relate to the father, the prodigal, and the older brother.(1)
A Son’s Adventure
We may not be wealthy parents, but we’ve all had people take advantage of us—taking what we would have given, only to squander it.
My mother gave us unconditional love. She always made us feel welcome. But when I was nineteen, I decided I had things too easy. I left home with nothing but the clothes on my back and hitchhiked across the country. She was terrified, wondering about my whereabouts and well-being. While I was having an adventure, she was experiencing loss and wondering what she had done to deserve this treatment by her youngest child.
Now, as a parent, my son has started his life. Opportunity has taken him and my grandchildren to a state a thousand miles away. We don’t hear from them as often as we would like. He is busy with work, school, and raising two children. This feels like betrayal—but it is what I did.
Even after returning from my hitchhiking trip, I later moved to California and lived in my car and ate in soup kitchens rather than return home. There was no abuse, no oppression, no justifiable reason not to stay close to my parents. But I had to make my way. My son is doing the same. I am happy to see him prosper. I am proud of him.
The Older Brother’s Resentment
Though I feel like the older brother who resents that he is gone. How could he do this to us? What I need to ask is: How could I have done that to my mother? When I returned, my family—including my brother and sisters—welcomed me back (Luke 15:20–24).
That is the real message of these chapters. We see in Luke 16 the shrewd manager who forgives debt (Luke 16:1–9). There is nobody with a clean ledger. All have sinned—not only against God, but against people we love (Romans 3:23). Forgiving debts and healing those relationships is the reward.
Delay’s Finality
This section’s conclusion features the rich man in hell, who suffers (Luke 16:22–24). Abraham can’t help him at that point. Waiting too long—and none of us know that time frame—we may lose the chance to make things right. All we can do at that point is hope that someone will help our loved ones avoid the fate we have suffered (Luke 16:27–31).
I felt blessed. My mother forgave me, and we had complete restoration of that relationship. It was easy for me—I went home. But now, as a parent, I realize it was a lot harder from her side. It is great that I will see her again in heaven and let her know how much I respect her for how she handled her prodigal.
A Challenge to Restore
As you read these chapters, I challenge you to think of who has wronged you. Was their transgression too big for God to forgive? God will forgive all who come to Him (Luke 15:7). If God can forgive your debt, He can help you forgive theirs.
Then think of who you have wronged. Have you asked them to forgive you? Do you avoid them, keeping that wound open? Go to them and seek restoration. Ask God to help mend that gap while you can still restore it.
Is there someone who has sought restoration that you are harboring resentment toward? Ask God to help you let that go too. You will find the freedom it gives you—not to carry those burdens—is great.
Maybe you know someone who has left the church; reach out and let them know you miss them. Welcome them back, even if their absence hurt when it happened. If you are that person, humble yourself and realize the Father wants you to come home. He will rejoice when you do.
Tomorrow, we will read Luke 17-18.
Footnotes
- Ben-Hur, directed by William Wyler (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1959); Finding Nemo, directed by Andrew Stanton (Pixar Animation Studios, 2003).