non-Mormon Christians: what is your take on Luke 15:27-32?
I mean, Mormons can answer if they want, but I'm way more interested in the non-LDS Christian's take on these verses.
And just so you don't have to go look it up:
Luke 15:27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Gabby Little Angel2011-10-25T11:03:01Z
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Your question implies that mormons have an interpretation on this passage that is different from Christians. I will be interested in finding out what it is.
There are multitudes of lessons to be gleaned from the story of the prodigal son - could you narrow it down for us as to what portion you are interested in?
A son who becomes self-seeking, and wandering away from home, then returns. A father who loves him anyway, and waits for his return.
The verses that you posted speak of the older brother. He too was all about self, but with jealousy, envy and bitterness mixed in. The father pointed out that everything was his already, that there was no need for the father to give anything to him. He also pointed out that he was rejoicing over the return of his brother.
In what way are you wanting to apply this passage? To your life personally? You as one of the sons, the father, the servant? Apply it to the church / Jews? The Church / Mormons?
I didn't really didn't think there was much left to interpret:
The Father is glad that his erranant son has finally come home, and throws a big party for him. The son who was faithful and stayed to care for his Father and the home front feels that this is an injustice--his brother should be punished for squandering a lot of money at most, or put back out on the streets at the very least The obedient son refuses to be glad and join the party.
The Father asks his obedient son to be forgiving and understand; he assures the obedient son that because he was ever faithful, his place in the household and his inheritance is guaranteed. Nevertheless, he asks the obedient son to share in the joy of receiving his brother back.
This story teaches us the lesson on forgiveness on so many levels if you think about it.
But basically Jesus used it to illustrate that those who are faithful to our Father in Heaven and are obedient will inherit their place with Him, however, our Father wants ALL of us to return to Him. Those of us who forsake our sin, even after having to learn the hard way by experiencing the consequences our own stubborn mistakes, also have a place in the Father's kingdom, and He is over-joyed to receive us again. Therefore, as the obedient brother learned, we have to forgive one another, even the very sinful among us, because that is what our Father wishes.
Yea it never states much about the good brother except he was mad at his bad brother...the thing is we are all sinners and Jesus loves us anyways, coming from an LDS perspective you guys have no depravity or original sin so Jesus loves you for being able to evolve into a God or Goddess as long as you do the "Works" of the LDS church and meet all the requirements.
Unfortunately I think many people who read this parable see themselves as the older son who stayed at home. They don't realize that we are all the younger son. The older son adds a level of complexity to the story and teaches us that we should try to help one another to keep pressing forward in our sinful, imperfect states.