The Prodigal Son Part 1

00:00:01 Speaker 1: See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. For this cause, the world doesn't know us because it didn't know him first. John three one, Heavenly Father, to day we find ourselves overwhelmed with gratitude. How great is the love you have lavished upon us that we should be called children of God. We thank you for this incredible gift, the unmerited favor of being part of your family. Help us to fully grasp the magnitude of this blessing, living as true reflections of your love and grace. May our hearts be ever thankful our words and actions, always mindful of the love you have shown us in being your children. Let us extend your love to others, showing the world the beauty and depth of your compassion. Thank you, Lord for calling us your own, for seeing us through eyes of unconditional love. In Jesus name, with heartfelt thanks, we pray Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Stay here for part one of our final parable, The Prodigal Son. If this podcast has brought value to your faith, we'd love it if you left a review and shared it with a friend. We want the story of Jesus to be known throughout the world, because when Jesus' story is told, lives are transformed. The Pharisee stood proudly in the back, content to judge Jesus as he waxed stories about the Kingdom of God. Even after the story of the Lost Sheep, they couldn't understand the passionate heart of God, even after the story of the tax Collector. In Pharisee, they were unmoved and calloused to compassion. They had built their names on obedience, righteousness, and comparison. How could Jesus possibly explain to them what the heart of God was like, not just for those closely devoted to him, but those who had fallen away. Jesus, filled with compassion and desire to communicate the heart of God, said. 00:02:46 Speaker 2: The Kingdom of God is like a man who had two sons. One day, the youngest son came to him with a request. 00:02:56 Speaker 3: How far does God's grace go? How many times do you have to turn away from him before he says, enough is enough, I'm done with you. The story of the Prodigal Sun reveals the answer to that question. This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm zachwithpray dot Com. Welcome to a three part finale of our Parables. We've been diving into dramatized parables to fully immerse ourselves in the emotion and the message of Christ's teachings. Today we're exploring the story of the Prodigal Sun. This story is iconic for a reason. There are two brothers. One is a rule follower and the other is a thrill seeker. Perhaps you fall into one of these two camps. Either way, there's a lesson for you. 00:03:37 Speaker 2: Abiathar paused on the gentle slope of the edge of his vast estate. He wiped his brow with his hand and caught his breath. He took this walk every morning. Just as the sky was beginning to warm, an explosion of soft pinks and yellows awaited the arrival of the sunrise. The air had a cool bite, filling a Biothar's lungs with fresh life and energy. Despite the crisp morning, hair, sweat beaded on his forehead. A brisk exercise was required to get the summit of the mountain. He grinned as he mounted the final steps to the apex and surveyed the land below. The sunrise painted the entire valley in a heavenly brilliance. 00:04:23 Speaker 4: Ah thank you, Lord. 00:04:28 Speaker 2: He sighed with a smile. A Biothar was a simple and straightforward man, and this was one of the many easy pleasures of his life. While others slept, he was swept away in splendor alone with God. He found himself craving, this time alone with the Lord, expressing gratitude for everything he had been given. There was much to be thankful for. A Biothar had many things, land, servants, wealth, and a thriving business, but none of these things compared to the love he had for his sons. He loved his two sons more than anything in the entire world. He also had loved their mother for as long as God had entrusted her to his care. She had passed away many years ago, but a Biathar still saw her reflected in her sons. Over the years, Abiathar steadily grew his father's far, yielding resources and riches that gained him great renown in their village and the surrounding regions. The land had been in his family as far back as anyone could remember, and though some would say it was all due to Abiathar's business sense. He believed it was simply the favor of his God. Because his ego wasn't intertwined with the success or failure of the family business, and because he trusted God to provide for all their needs, he felt confident in expanding the workers and tenants as his income flourished. The sun was rising in earnest now, and a Biothar had to squint to enjoy the splendid scene before him. Nestled between this hill and the others surrounding it, a Biothar's farm sprawled throughout the valley as far as the eye could see. The stillness of the morning was replaced by the chirping of birds and the emergence of his workers. To the right, tidy rows of various crops lined the land. When viewed from above, he marveled at how the straight lines and circular patterns filled the valley with a calming order. To the left of the homestead, there was no such designs in the soil, but he could make out tiny figures of his livestock dotting the fields. A Biothar possessed great wisdom, wisdom enough to know that his significant influence and wealth, if left unchecked, could make him arrogant and self reliant. A Biothar was abounding with love for all the people in his life, and he held his role as their provider in great esteem. A Biothar did his best to extend grace and patience in all matters brought under his purview. He sought to be as loving as the God he loved. It was in the morning that he set his perspective. He knew that though he provided for many, he was merely a conduit for all God had entrusted to him. Looking down into the valley and over all he had, he mused that this was God's vantage point two. God was even higher and over far more than a Biothar could even fathom. He allowed these thoughts and meditating on God's glory, to lead him into his mourning prayer. He considered everything God had given him Domininova, allowing it to fill him with gratitude. Gratitude was the antidote to greed. While other man of his status reeled in paranoia and anxiety about keeping their wealth, a Biothar was able to maintain in calm and peace. Abiathar prayed for his sons. As he returned down the hill to the homestead, he could sense his sons becoming restless of late. They were both men now in the eyes of the law, but he could not help but still see them as children, his children. He supposed they would always be children to him. His oldest, Amnon, had recently become betrothed to a lovely young woman who would make an even lovelier bride and someday a mother to his grandchildren. Amnin quietly aspired to be all that his father was. In fact, pleasing his father consumed most of his personality. He was stoic, steadfast, and perhaps a bit stubborn. He was dedicated to whatever task was before him, always aiming to please his father. As a child, he was obedient and sensitive to criticism. These traits had given way to a very disciplined man. A Biothar merely had to ask anything of his firstborn son. Amnon knew his duty and what was expected of him. He always lived up to those expectations. Side by side, a Biothar and his son Emnon managed the farm's affairs. A Biothar was so proud of the young man his eldest was becoming Although a Biathar feared his eldest son's obedience and hard work actually came from a sense of self righteousness and superiority over his younger brother, Jeremil Ah Jeremil the youngest son, he was boisterous and bold, almost impossible to predict. As the youngest child, he was the joy of his parents' lives. Abiathar's late wife had a similar soul. She and Jeremiel were so free and easy going. They laughed easily, equal parts the source and receiver of merriment in any given room. Unsurprisingly, Abiathar most often saw his wife in Jeremil. This helped him find the patience he often needed for his wild ways. The boy was always looking for trouble, and he had this uncannyability to rope others into his shenanigans. A natural born leader, Jeremil always had a handful of other boys in his wake, hanging on his every word. A Biothar knew that Jeremil would soon be a man. He would need a firm hand to convince him to settle down and begin his responsibilities as a father and husband, But a Biothar was reluctant. The boy brought him so much joy, and he wanted him to stay a child as long as he could. A Biothar walked down the path to his home. As he daydreamed and prayed. He noticed the steward of his house, Eron, waiting for him. 00:10:47 Speaker 4: Good morning, my friend, Ah, good morning, master. I trust your morning walk was pleasant. It was Erin. Thank you. What is it that required whires my attention this morning, your younger son, Jeremiel, He has requested an audience with you before we sit for breakfast, so formal. Why doesn't he just bring the request to me at the table like he usually does. Yes, Master, he seems quite determined to meet before. There must be something important on his mind. Hmmm, perhaps he's finally decided to marry one of the pretty young women who are always following him around. I'm not sure, Master, Perhaps he seems so serious, very unlike him. Well, let's not wonder any longer. Let's go see what is on his mind. 00:11:54 Speaker 2: Jeremil had been up for hours with ambition on his mind. Once something sprang into his head, Jeremil was at its mercy until he acted upon it. He was frenetic and in constant motion, perturbed by the slightest inconvenience or interruption. He had grown tired of the incessant teasing about getting married and starting a family. He had grown weary of the constant comparisons to his older brother and inquiries about how he was going to help his brother. When his father passed, Amnen had already resigned himself, no questions asked till the life laid out for him. He didn't even realize he already had one foot in the grave. Marry this girl, till this field, feed these cows, pay these workers, do this until the other foot follows the first into the ground. Jeremil didn't like being told what to do or who to be. He yearned for autonomy. He had bigger dreams than his tedious older brother could ever fathom. The idea of doing what his brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and honor on made him feel sick to his stomach. Not that they weren't all honorable men, mind you, quite the opposite, but they were all the same. They built their legacy off the backs of the one before, no one had done anything new. He respected what they had built, he really did. But Jeremil desperately wanted to do something that was all his own. He wanted to be someone outside his family name. If there was one thing Jeremil couldn't abide by, it was being compared to someone else. He desperately wanted to be different, special, important, and important by his own standards. He wanted extravagance. He dreamt about decadence and intrigue. So be it if he had to burn a few bridges in the process. He was only concerned with his life. Let others be responsible for their own well being. Jeremil had heard stories of rich Merchan gallivanting up and down the coast with women and fine wine. He closed his eyes and imagined himself dealing in luxury goods like silk, exotic furs, precious jewels, rare perfumes and oils. He knew, if he had the chance, he would make a name for himself and soon be rubbing elbows with a whole new class of people. There was only one obstacle between Jerremial and his dream money. He knew enough about businesses to know that you had to start with money to make money. Despite anything his brother might say about him, he had been paying attention to how his father conducted his affairs. Some day Jeremil would inherit one third of his father's wealth. Jeremil longed to put that money to good use. Now the wealth he was owed wasn't doing him any good in his father's house, and he certainly didn't want to wait until he was old and married before he could begin following his dreams. These were the thoughts that had kept him up the night before. Anxious thoughts made sleep impossible, but they eventually gave way to a scheme of his own. A plan coiled around his heart like a serpent to its prey, and the quiet and restless, reeling Jeremil came up with a plan. He arose with the sun, ignoring the morning's brilliant rays of light and the sweet melodies of the birds, he made his way to see his father. He knew what he was about to ask was unheard of in their culture. But Jeremil also knew that if he genuinely wanted to live an extravagant life and become the innovative industrial visionary he was destined to become, he had to take a risk at some point, and surely his father would understand. From one charismatic leader to another, surely he would understand. Though he had rehearsed a few versions of his speech in his head, he could feel his heart beating in his throat, and his palms were cold and clammy. He paced one of the small gathering rooms off their center courtyard, waiting for the head servant to return with his father. He wanted to be sure they would not be interrupted and away from prying eyes and eavesdropping ears. Even the timing was strategic. His brother would be scarfing down his morning meal and already barking orders to the unfortunate band of farm hands. Father had a sign to obey him. As for their father, everyone knew a Biathar took his morning walk, and this was the only window to catch him alone before he dove into the true leadership of their homestead. Before Jeremil could run through the words one more time, his father's figure filled the doorway. Abiathar strode into the room, ran his faithful servant trailing in his wake. Jeremil's father was a mountain of a man, with broad shoulders and an even wider beard. But even more commanding than his physical appearance was his confident demeanor. He was fair but kind, savvy but compassionate. Imposing yet gentle. He had both respect and love from everyone he knew. Jeremiel admired his father. It was hard not to, but how could he compete with the presence of this magnitude in their close knit community. A Biothar had already conquered all there was in this corner of the world. Jeramil was determined that his path should lead him to worlds uncharted, so instead of aiming to be like his father, he plotted to be away from him. 00:17:35 Speaker 4: Father. 00:17:37 Speaker 2: Jeremiel began eager to have the first word in their conversation. I wanted to discuss my future with you. A Biothar was still in the process of settling himself into the seat and the room. This was the room where he managed the accounts and held meetings regarding the business. Father, you've admirably raised my brother and I to become great men someday, men worth respecting in men who forged their own path in the world. A Biothar nodded in the pregnant pause left by Jeremil, but said nothing. Jeremil continued, unfazed. You have built a great empire, father, No one can argue against that, and you've made every possible effort to prepare Amnon and me for our future in all ways but one. Jeremil paused again, fully anticipating a response from his father, but it didn't come. A Biothar's face was unreadable, not even a scowl or a flinch at Jeremil's words. He simply waited for Jeremil to continue. Determined not to be thrown by the absence of a reaction, Jeremil went on, Ah, well, you see, you've left no room for us in your empire. How can we become the men you desire us to become with no room of our own. Now Amnon is his own man, and you and I both know he'll be content to tend to the empire long after you're gone. I can think of no better steward. But I mean to speak candidly. Father. You know me well enough to know there really is no place for me here. Perhaps you've always known, Perhaps you've been waiting for this conversation. Jeremil left space again, and finally, mercifully, Abiathar spoke. 00:19:30 Speaker 4: Tell me, Jeremiel, what is it you believe you do not have freedom? 00:19:38 Speaker 2: If you truly loved me and truly understood me, I would also have your blessing to leave. 00:19:46 Speaker 4: All I have is yours. What is it that you lack in my presence? 00:19:52 Speaker 2: My son, Abiathar asked solemnly. Frowning at his father's questions, Jeremiel replied, Ah, I don't have the freedom to start my own ventures, make my own name, and do as I please. This home. This home, as large as it is, it's constricting. I need freedom. 00:20:16 Speaker 4: And what does that freedom cost? 00:20:19 Speaker 2: This was the moment Jeremil had been waiting for. It was too late to turn back. Now, well, grant me my share of the estate, give me an advance what I have coming to me after you die. The words trickled down his lips and onto the floor. There was a long, drawn out silence that filled the room. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. What Jeremial had just expressed was his internal desire for his father to die, or, at the very least, for his relationship with his father to be severed so he could take his wealth and run. Jeremil might as well have said I'm better off without you, or I can't wait for you to die. A Biothar closed his eyes and sighed The moment hung in the air between father and son. When a Biothar opened his eyes. He leaned forward and stood to his feet, using his hands for support on his knees. 00:21:24 Speaker 4: My son, I will see to it that you have all you asked for, said Abiathar. 00:21:32 Speaker 2: He then closed the space between them, grabbing Jeremil's forearm and pulling him into a tight embrace. Jeremil stood stunned in his father's arms. Was he dreaming? Was this really happening? 00:21:44 Speaker 1: Bother? 00:21:45 Speaker 2: Thank you? You have no idea what this means to me? He choked out, his words muffled against his father's shoulder. Biathar pulled away and took his son's face in his hands. He said nothing raised into his son's eyes with fatherly love, but there was something else in his eyes as well, betrayal and anguish. Baratha wouldn't force his son to stay with him. What kind of father forces his children to love him that is not truly love. 00:22:19 Speaker 3: Part one of The Prodigal Son introduces us to the two central characters, Abianhar the father and Jeremiel the rebellious son. You've listened enough to the parables by now to know that the father Abiathar represents God. Although the Old Testament mentions God as a father to the fatherless, it was Jesus who truly introduced us to the concept of God as our father Abbah, personal and loving. He said in Luke twelve thirty two, do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Jesus portrays God as a loving and doting father, a present and benevolent father. This concept might be hard to understand for some who haven't had the best earthly fathers. Some people find out hard to relate to God as a doting and personal dad because their father figures weren't very kind, present, or generous with them. Father wounds abound in this world, caused by men who choose to be boys and shirk their responsibilities as dads. God is patient though, He's loving, and he's generous, and he wants to fill those voids in your life. We are also introduced to Jeremil, the younger son. Jeremil has a request of his father, and it was certainly unorthodox. He asked his father for his share of the estate, which would have been about a third of what his older brother would receive. In other words, the younger son asked for one third of his father's wealth. Though it was perfectly within his rights to asks, it wasn't really a very loving thing to ask. It implied that he wished his father was dead and that he wasn't dying fast enough for him. Instead of rebuking his son, the father patiently grants him his request. And this is a picture of God letting a sinner go in his own way. Like the prodigal son, we all have ambitions, we all have things we want to do with our lives. We all have dreams that we want to satisfy. But Jeremial is about to realize the dreams, apart from the father's blessing and love, are actually nightmares. Join us for our next episode, as we are introduced to the older brother, the rule follower, the one who stews in bitterness because his brother makes all the wrong choices. Perhaps you don't relate to the younger prodigal son. Perhaps you relate to this rule following, law abiding citizen,