Jasper County Democrat, Volume 17, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 May 1914 — BROOKLYN TABERNACLE [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

BROOKLYN TABERNACLE

’ BIBLE’STUDY*ON THE PRODIGAL SON. Luke 15:11-32—May 3. "I will arise and go to iny father,, and will sag unto him. Father, 1 have sinned against Heaven and in thy sight.”—Verse 18. setting of the parable of A The Prodigal Son demonstrates the Master’s object in giving it. He was seeking to show the Pharisees that their position respecting publicans and sinners was wrong. He here pointed out that this wrong attitude was likely to cost them their own share in the Kingdom. Iu the parable the father evidently represeuts God; and the sons represent the two general classes into which the Jewish nation had divided itself. The elder son class were those who sat in Moses’ seat, professed loyalty to God, and outwardly endeavored to keep His Law. The younger son class were those who had misused their privileges as beneficiaries of the Divine promises and wasted their opportunities in selfgratification. this class of publicans and sinners felt their degradation, and longed to return to the Father’s House. Spiritually ragged and hungry, they hesitated to go back. It was just such characters that Jesus especially encouraged to have confidence in the Father's willingness to receive those who came to Him penitently. The parable tells that some of this class returned to God. and because of their penitence were granted special manifestations of Divine favor. Application of the Parable. How grandly this parable illustrates the lengths, breadths, heights and depths of the Love of God! The best robe, shoes, etc., well represent God’s provision through Christ for covering the imperfections cf all who return to

Him. The feast and the merrymaking well illustrate God’s blessed promises, applicable to those accepted into God’s family through the begetting of the Holy Spirit. This is the Marriage Feast of another para b 1 e. Matthew 22:2-14; Isaiah 25:6-8.

The elder brother was indeed bidden to tlie feast; but he was angry and refused to come, jealous that the father should receive the young spendthrift. The elder brother class did not show the right spirit for those for whom the Kingdom privileges were Intended, all of whom must be meek, gentle, loving —copies of God’s dear Son in their generous good will toward all desirous of coming to the Father. The Principle Applies Broadly. While this parable illustrated the two classes of Jews, the principle set forth applies generally. In the world there are noble characters, well-born and apparently the very ones to be chosen of God to be joint-heirs with His Son in the Kingdom. Nevertheless, the Scriptures makd clear that not many such will be of the Kingdom class. (1 Corinthians 1:26-29.) This better class, represented by the elder brother, seem to feel that in contrast with the lower strata they are perfection itself; and that God would surely desire them. But all are sinners, whether they know it or not; and all should be honest enough to confess the fact. God requires this very honesty, this confession of our need, before Christ’s merit can be Imputed to us. covering our blemishes. God evidently wishes to have a class honest enough to acknowledge their own imperfections and unworthiness of His favors Those who so confess He will bless with a knowledge of themselves and of His righteousness; whereas others, self-satisfied and unwilling to accept His grace in Christ or to confess their need of a covering for their blemishes, are not humble enough to be of the Kingdom class. Not Many Rich, Noble or Wise. Thus it comes that the majority of those who accept God’s favor and become His children are from the younger brother class—not many rich, noble.

learned or wise, but chiefly the poor of this world, rich in faith. They realize their wretched con dition and their need of forgiveness ahd help; while frequentlj’ others who have lived more open lives do not recognize their need. Perhaps no oth-

er parable has been so helpful to the poor and needy, the sinful and weak, pvho desire to return to the family of taod. Ln this parable they see their pwn picture, and are encouraged. The (Heavenly Father’s character has been ho misrepresented to them by the [creeds of the Dark Ages that they fear (Him and expect no kind reception.from

The Prodigat’s Re turn.

The Jealous Brother.