In the second part of episode 18, Krysta and Traci continue the conversation about what they learned at a recent event entitled “The Feast” led by Kristi McLelland. As they continue to discuss Luke 15, the sisters bring to light the main characters in the third parable and who they represent (hint: It has something to do with who Jesus was talking to in the beginning of the chapter).
The sisters bring to light the cultural associations of shame and kezazah (cutting off, death) from the community when the younger son sells off the inherited property. They also explain the counter-cultural nature of the Father’s response when the younger son journeys home to offer himself as a servant. However, the story doesn’t end there, and there is one more outside of the banquet that the Father goes out to plead with in the end.
Key Topics Include:
- Luke 9 – 19 is considered the travel narrative, when Jesus set his face to Jerusalem and the cross.
- Luke 15 is one conversation in response to the grumbling of the pharisees and teachers of the law as recorded in Luke 15:2.
- Jesus had a reputation for eating with sinners and tax collectors, which caused controversy among Jewish leaders.
- In the Hebrew culture, eating with others signified welcoming, embracing, and accepting.
- The sinners were those who were not practicing the required public repentance, and the tax collectors were considered traitors who shamed their entire family.
- Groups of three are significant in scripture, and Jesus is making a strong point with 3 parables, each with 3 parts.
- In each parable, something is lost, something is found or brought home, and there is a celebration.
- The word repent in the Greek language, “Metanoia,” means to return or change the mind, yet in the Hebrew language, “T’Shuva” means to allow yourself to be found and brought home.
- In the middle eastern culture, the names of the parables are different from the western translations and focus on the nature of our heavenly Father.
- At the beginning of the third parable, Jesus explains that the man divided the property between his two sons, and the older son receives double of what the younger receives according to custom.
- The younger son sells off his third of the property, reducing his father’s property, which is considered shameful even unto death.
- In the final parable, the people that Jesus is speaking with is represented in the story as the two sons − the sinners and tax collectors and the pharisees.
Scripture Verses and Resources Mentioned: (From the Complete Jewish Bible version)
- Luke 15. All listeners are encouraged to read the entire chapter again on their own.
- Luke 9:51 As the time approached for him [Jesus] to be taken up into heaven, he made his decision to set out for Jerusalem.
- Matthew 11:18 – 19 “For John came, fasting, not drinking − so they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came, eating freely and drinking wine − so they say, ‘Aha! A glutton and a drunkard! A friend of tax-collectors and sinners!’ Well, the proof of wisdom is in the actions it produces.”
- Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost.”
- Isaiah 25: 6-8 “On this mountain Adonai-Tzva’ot (the Lord of heaven’s armies) will make for all peoples a feast of rich food and superb wines, delicious, rich food and superb, elegant wines. On this mountain he will destroy the veil which covers the face of all peoples, the veil enshrouding all the nations. He will swallow up death forever. Adonai Elohim (the Lord God) will wipe away the tears from every face, and he will remove from all the earth the disgrace his people suffer. For Adonai (my Lord) has spoken.
- The Feast, Kristi McClelland, Lifeway.com
Listeners are encouraged to study more from the passages listed above, and to seek to know our God more through prayer and meditating on scripture. The sisters also invite listeners to reach out if they need specific prayer or support in this area. Traci and Krysta continue to pray for those who are listening to the podcast. They invite listeners to share feedback about this week’s topic, submit new topics and questions, or to request prayer by visiting the website iamnotenough.us. They may also choose to follow us on facebook.com.