Book Description

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the greatest stories ever told by Jesus Christ who is the greatest Teacher of all time. We find ourselves in this simple yet profound story, and we find that we may be represented by different persons in the story at different times in our lives. The story reminds us that we all were once prodigals, and some of us may still be, but we can also find ourselves filling the shoes of the loving father when we love and forgive others. And, unfortunately, we can sometimes find ourselves filling the shoes of the elder brother when we self-righteously judge and look down on others. In this brief expository analysis of the Parable, Ordained Minister Rev. Dr. Barry A. Allen takes us through the Parable by discussing five major themes: Rebellion, Repentance, Restoration, Rejection, and Reward. The primary theme of the Parable is the radical and unconditional love the father shows his returning Prodigal Son, and Pastor Allen highlights that this is the way God loves sinners. God doesn't give up on sinners, but "religious people" like the elder brother sometimes do. Pastor Allen encourages us to be "Christian" instead of "religious" and to love sinners the way the father in this Parable loves his son. Then, we adequately represent the love of our Father in a world where prodigal sons and daughters are around every corner. By loving and receiving sinners the way God loves and received us, we Christians give those who have been led astray in this fallen world reasons to believe that God is real, God is near, and God truly loves, forgives, and celebrates their homecoming.