Christ's Passion and Resurrection

During Lent I've looked more seriously at the stories in the Bible about Jesus' imminent suffering and death as he travelled to Jerusalem for his last Passover with his disciples. Sermon obligations but also my personal devotions moved me to do this. What snagged my attention more than the passion predictions Jesus made, was one of his parables -- the story of the prodigal son. Some of us  have heard sermons preached on the subject of the 'lost son', the 'sinful younger son' etc. Having looked more carefully at the chapter where it occurs in the Gospel of Luke this year, I discovered to my amazement that the setting of Jesus being scrutinized by the Pharisees as he ate with 'sinners' had a major bearing on how I understood the situation of the younger brother in the parable. He wasn't 'all bad' -- as we sometimes like to judge him. He wasn't as bad, for certain, as his elder brother, labelled him -- probably because of jealousy! The younger son was a sinner for the way he treated his father initially, running off with a good part of the money intended for his 'pension'. He was certainly irresponsible! But, Jesus' focus in the story is not on his sin but on the love of the father for both sons! God must be like that. Jesus is like that: forgiving, understanding, grateful that the son who was away from him for so long has come home!  This is a story about a father who has two sons.These two brothers are blind to the love of their father -- but one comes to his senses. He also recognizes his father's goodness when hard times hit the land where he is staying. Despite his 'foolishness', he knows his father's love is broad enough to take him in again.

The other brother may well represent the religious leaders of Jesus' time who had hardened hearts and only saw Jesus' flaws. He may also represent anyone with such  a heart -- who helps nail Jesus' love to the cross in every age, as we inflict suffering and judgement on people we don't even know --

Easter, in the light of this story, can be a celebration of God's forgiving love made visible in the resurrection which overcomes and defeats the hardened hearts and death-making in this world. God offers us life; eternal life. By returning to God during this life we will also participate in Jesus' resurrection to eternal life. Regardless of how we are judged or persecuted or pushed aside in this life, God will decide independently what grace and mercy God will share with us.

For me, God's 'independence' is extremely comforting!  May God also be as a loving parent for you. Turn to God and have a talk about Your homecoming soon.     Amen