And Jesus
continued: "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one
said to his father: "Father, give me my share of the estate."
So he divided his property between them.
Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set
off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild
living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in
that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired
himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields
to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the
pigs were eating, but no-one gave him anything.
When he came to his senses, he said, "How many of my father's
hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will
set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father I have sinned
against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called
your son; make me like one of your hired men." So he got up and
went to his father.
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was
filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms
around him and kissed him. The son said to him, "Father I have
sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be
called your son."
But the father said to his servants, "Quick! Bring the best robe
and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate.
For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."
So they began to celebrate.
Luke 15,11-24
In reference to the previously posed questions:
Does the son honour the father when he says, "Come on, old
boy, give me my share of the dough. I want to live my own life.
I'm leaving your ancient, dusty hut.
My tastes and ideals are completely different to yours. I want to
live a life of fun and merriment!"
Did the son give his father joy at this moment?
Did the father possess the love of his son, whilst the son had nothing
against, but at the same time, no thoughts for his father?
Was the father full of joy when he heard through a messenger, how
his son was squandering his money away?
Was the father full of joy when he heard that his son was gaining
a poor living by looking after pigs?
Was the father full of joy then?
Yet this father was full of joy, an everlasting joy, when this son
found his way back home with the words:
Father I have sinned against heaven and against
you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.
At that moment he was full of an unlimited joy. He arranged for
the son to be given new clothes, new shoes, a ring for his finger
and he arranged a happy, joyful feast.
In another part of this chapter Jesus says:
I tell you that in the same way there will
be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over
ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Luke 15, 7
Isn't it time to start on our way - so that we too may find the
peace of God?
Jesaja 53, 5
So that our Christmas will be a truly happy and joyful feast!
Freedom is coming, Freedom is coming
Freedom is coming oh yes I know
Oh yes I know (4x)
Jesus is coming...
Oh yes I know...
Spirit is coming...
Oh yes I know...
Great things will happen...
Oh yes I know...
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