On Forgiveness BC
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Arts Humanities
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Dec 6, 2023
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Uploaded by mayshamari
On Forgiveness: Read the Parable of the Prodigal son in the Gospel of Luke 15:11-32 and
answer the following questions.
1.
What do you think is the fundamental point of this story?
The Gospel of Luke 15:11–32 contains the Parable of the Prodigal Son, which teaches
several important lessons, but its main ideas are repentance, forgiveness, and God's
unending mercy. A younger son begs his father for his portion of the inheritance in the
tale, then wastes it away in a far-off place. The son finds himself in terrible
circumstances during a famine and resolves to go back home, regretful and eager to
work as a servant in his father's home. To his astonishment, the father shows him how
much he has enjoyed his return by throwing a celebration and welcoming him back. At
first, the older son, who had stayed devoted and obedient, feels resentful of the father for
taking in his wayward brother. But the father clarifies that there is reason for
celebration because the kid who was lost has returned. The parable's main lesson is
God's abiding kindness, love, and forgiveness. It underlines that genuine remorse is
welcomed with open arms and a readiness to forgive, regardless of how far one may
transgress. The eldest son's attitude serves as a powerful example of the peril of self-
righteousness, and it also promotes forgiveness and compassion for others. Ultimately,
the parable illustrates the transformative power of forgiveness and the depth of God's
love for every individual, regardless of their past actions or mistakes.
2.
Give an illustration of how this story can make sense in today’s world.
The Prodigal Son Parable illustrates enduring themes of forgiveness, redemption, and
the intricacies of human relationships, and it can have multiple resonances in today's
world. Here is an example: Imagine a family in which a younger sibling makes bad
decisions, possibly engaging in harmful activities or losing relationships with the family
because of discord or disobedience. This could be compared to the story of the prodigal
son who ran off and wasted his inheritance. As a result of those decisions, the younger
sibling may eventually suffer from difficulties, loneliness, or a feeling of emptiness. Like
the prodigal son who turns to his father after realizing he needs to change, they make the
decision to go back home in the hopes of finding forgiveness and reconciliation. In the
present day, a family may stand in for a community or a collection of individuals who
have suffered harm or negative effects because of an individual's conduct. The younger
sibling's homecoming presents the community with a chance for reconciliation and
forgiveness. The family's reaction, especially that of the parents or older siblings, reflects
the difficulty in forgiving. Like the conflict in the parable between the older son and the
father, some family members could find it difficult to welcome back the prodigal. This
illustrates the difficulty that can come up while deciding whether to forgive someone who
has disappointed or hurt you. Thus, the parable provides a strong example of how
forgiveness and reconciliation are still possible in today's complicated family and
community dynamics. Recognizing that forgiveness is a transformational and healing
force and that people can change, it invites individuals and communities to show mercy
and grace. It also highlights the importance of overcoming judgment and resentment,
embracing a spirit of compassion and reconciliation in the face of human imperfections.
3.
How would you have reacted if you were to be the elder brother/sister of the prodigal
son after his return, especially with regard to how the father celebrated his return?
The feelings and responses I would probably have if I were the older brother or sister in
the Prodigal Son story would be complicated and nuanced. There may be a mix of
irritation and loyalty on the one hand. When the family returns, it could be difficult to
observe the prodigal sibling's lavish celebration because they have remained obedient
and responsible while their absence. One may experience hurt or bitterness, doubting the
justice of the father's exuberant welcome. Nonetheless, the story is a potent reminder of
the necessity of putting pride aside and the transformational power of forgiveness. I can
try to get past any first unpleasant feelings by thinking about the father's unconditional
love and forgiveness and selecting compassion over judgment. The prodigal sibling's
return is not the only issue facing the older sibling; they also need to confront their own
ability to forgive and comprehend. I would have to weigh my allegiance to the family
against my annoyance at the apparent unmerited joy when the wayward sibling returns.
Even while there may be initial hurt and animosity, the parable emphasizes the necessity
to move past these feelings. The father's steadfast love serves as an inspiration for
conquering pride and highlights the transformational potential of forgiveness. I would
see the elder sibling's struggle as a personal journey, not just about the prodigal's return
but also about developing my own capacity for forgiveness, choosing compassion over
judgment. This internal conflict provides a priceless chance for personal development
and emphasizes the critical role that forgiveness plays in mend and rebuilding damaged
relationships.
4.
What is the lesson of the parable of the prodigal son?
The Parable of the Prodigal Son offers a complex lesson on redemption, forgiveness,
and God's unending kindness. Fundamentally, the story emphasizes that true
repentance and a humble return to God are greeted with forgiveness and love
without conditions. It pushes back against ideas of self-righteousness and promotes
compassion, imploring people to let go of judgment and accept forgiveness. The
lavish party that followed the prodigal son's homecoming serves as an example of
both the extent of God's mercy and the transformational potential of forgiveness in
mending broken relationships. The parable prompts contemplation on the
forgiveness capacity of people, highlighting the role that grace and mercy play in
promoting both social harmony and spiritual development. In addition, the Prodigal
Son Parable emphasizes how human weakness is universal and that people can still
be saved even after making mistakes in the past. The story illustrates how difficult it
is to forgive the older brother, highlighting the complexity of human emotions and
the need to move past grudges. It encourages reflection and asks people to think
about their own roles in seeking reconciliation and forgiving others. The tale is
universal, speaking to people of all ages and backgrounds and acting as a constant
reminder that forgiveness is a transformational power that can improve both
individual and societal well-being.
5.
What could have happened to (a) the prodigal son if he had refused to come back
because of shame, and (b) to the family of the prodigal son?
(a)
Had the prodigal son declined to return out of embarrassment, he probably would
have carried on on a disastrous course. Refusing to go back would mean continuing
to live a wandering existence, maybe encountering more difficulties, loneliness, and
the fallout from bad decisions. The prodigal son might have lost out on the chance
for healing and atonement, and the humiliation might have grown worse in the
absence of forgiveness and reconciliation.
(b)
The prodigal son's family would have experienced ongoing worry and anxiety amid
his absence. The anguish of being parted from the errant son and the concern for his
welfare would probably have lasted. Given the father's grief over his son's death
and the possible strain on family dynamics, the family may have endured
continuous emotional upheaval. The family's harmony and well-being would have
suffered if there had been no reconciliation since it would have left scars unhealed
and prevented the happy reunion that is shown in the story.
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