One might think that a cascading of prophetic Scriptural fulfillments would make Scripture aficionados jubilant. But one might also be wrong. Terribly wrong in fact. The various groups of synagogue leadership (those most familiar with those prophecies) were the most vocally opposed to Jesus, his teachings, his miracles, his popularity, and those he befriended. It was their niggling that prompted Jesus to tell them a story (or two or three).
The first tale was about a sheep owner and one lost sheep. His audience yawned at this as they had no exposure to that lifestyle or anything which might be of concern to someone of that ilk. Certainly, sheep were a regular part of the system of sacrifices, but how those animals came to the temple was most definitely none of their concern! Jesus’ segué to a lost sinner caused no response other than some eye rolling, a shuffling of bored feet and a barely stifled ‘whatever.’
Seeing this, but soldiering on, Jesus related a second story, perhaps one closer to their wallets. A woman’s lost silver coin. It was mildly offensive that Jesus made the central character a woman. Beyond that, none of his listeners could imagine stooping so low as to look for something as paltry as one silver coin! Really! Who did Jesus take them for? One of the many beggars in the streets? And it was embarrassing that Jesus would then attempt to implicate heaven in any kind of response such as a party in some remote hovel! An array of arms now folded across their chests, their heads inquiringly cocked to one side as if to say, somewhat exasperatingly, ‘What is your point, Jesus? We don’t have all day!’
Convinced now that a third story could not fail to elicit a response, Jesus continued. This time, a father with two sons. When he tells the part about the younger son demanding his share of the estate, to a man they couldn’t contain their revulsion that such a thing could happen! It was unspeakably disrespectful. They immediately pictured themselves in the place of that father, imagining what they would do if such a thing were to happen to them (Jesus couldn’t help noticing that he had finally hit a chord). When Jesus related that the father agreed to this preposterous request, they were livid! This father, in Jesus’ story, shamelessly abased himself in the eyes of his family, his neighbors, and his sons.
Jesus continued recounting the fate of the younger son, the throwing away of all his money, the reprobate lifestyle, the famine, and the humiliation at the thought of needing to feed pigs, much less wanting to eat their slop! (they were sickened). As Jesus mentions the approach of starvation, there is a general murmur in the crowd about him getting what he deserved (he would certainly never be their son again!). Then the part of the son’s rehearsed confession made the group of well-to-do Jewish leaders involuntarily shake out their garments as a sign of disgust!
(at this, Jesus lovingly, but pointedly, brought his story home). The father ran to his son! Kissed him! Had all the accoutrements of sonship brought to him! Planned an impromptu party in the son’s honor! Begged his older son to join in the celebration. They are all choking now with incredulity at this unthinkable twist in the story. Jesus had pivoted, placing the spotlight directly on his hearers – older sons all. The invitation was given. The choice, as ‘older sons,’ was now laid at their feet.
Jesus left them to ponder. He leaves us pondering, too. PD
*Imaginatively based on Luke 15
