Timothy Keller begins The Prodigal God (Hodder & Staughton, 2008) with two definitions for the word prodigal: recklessly extravagent and having spent everything. In developing his exploration of Jesus’ parable of the father and two sons (found in Luke 15) Keller strives to focus on the father figure and what we learn about him and his two sons as he interacts with them. He wants us to understand the extraordinary generosity which is portrayed, a generosity which is evident in the kingdom of heaven.
Many retellings of this parable will focus on the younger son and his return home. Some will emphasise the loving welcome provided by the father. Not as many dwell on the figure of the older son. He is the new element which has been added to the theme which has already been explored by Jesus in the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin.
The main difference in this third explanation of the kingdom is that instead of one sheep being lost from one hundred, or one coin lost from ten, a father has two lost sons, one who goes to a far country and one who stays home. Neither of the sons relates to the father as a son, the best that both of them seem to strive for is to be treated as hired hands. The younger brother rejects his father by demanding an inheritance, the older brother by seeking to earn it.
So Keller is able to open up the parable and speak to two classes of people, and by doing so speak to all people.
The poignant scene where the father runs out to meet his returning son is etched into the eyes of our minds. A large framed print of Rembrant’s Return of the Prodigal Son hangs before me while I type these words. Yet equal compassion and condescension are shown by the father as he goes out to his older son.
As you read you will be invited to see yourself in the younger son or the older son or maybe both. The challenge then is to examine youself and consider if you have entered into the generous, extravagent joy of the father. Do we live lives that are a reflection of that generosity and joy?
The book is thoughtfully constructed, with Keller’s depth of intellect brought to bear in such a way that anyone could read its 133 pages. It is not a long read, but provokes much thought and reflection.
Some, no doubt, will balk at the idea of God, ultimately, being described as recklessly extravagent. This objection may have some grounds. God is not reckless. But He also declares that that which is His is His to give as He desires. We should be joyful that He does so. After all there is no reason in us that would entice Him to do so, His generosity is the fruit of His nature.
A quote:
We will never stop being younger brothers or elder brothers until we acknowledge our need, rest by faith, and gaze in wonder at the work of our true elder brother, Jesus Christ.
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