Christian Life Church

Facts about Father- Had two sons, one good son, one bad son, servants, and wealth. Infered facts- loving, forgiving, gracious and courageous. Undercurrent facts- shamed.

Jewish culture of Jesus’ time was very traditionalized. Jewish men did not run in public. It was considered a shameful act of a elder man to run. He was to walk with dignity. The father’s status was lowered in the community because he ran, raced, to his prodigal son.

There was a rule written in Babylonian Talmud: Tractate Kethuboth that tells the Jewish people to cut off sons and daughters that sell heirlooms to gentiles or son marries women below their status. It is called Kezazah. Basically, the community would break a clay pot in front of the offender and turn their back on them. Causing the offender to have to leave the town or city and live anywhere else they could.

The father endured greater shame because he did not Kezazah his son. He raced to his son to give mercy and reclaim him as a son by putting a ring on his finger and robe on his back. Hardly the effect the oldest son had wanted. Upon hearing of the party, the oldest son was angry because his father had shamed him and his family with this display of joy.

Jesus in this parable was trying to put a frame for the Jewish people to see how God the creator looked at mankind, Jew or Gentile. The Father showed us great love and grace. Willing to take the shame,God the Father was reconciled with us. Ultimately, He wanted to be called Abba, Dad. Not just the Father, but totally restored relationship with his children.

If you are a father are you willing to take the shame? Can you be the father that takes the shame of your children and turn it into grace? In the Kezazah the mother could still have relationship with the son/daughter but not the father. What traditions are you holding onto and letting your children be broken from you? What rules over-ride your grace?

What kind of father did you need? Are you the bad child? Are you the good child? Do you hold things against your father because of his actions? Or do you hold things against your father because of his inactions?

What is your response to this God the Father?