By Jerram Barrs

The basic context in which we bring children into the world and do all our work in caring for children is the covenant God who made all who love him and who seek to walk in his ways. He has promised to love not only us, but also our children (Genesis 22:15-18; Exodus 20:5-6; Acts 2:37-39). But, do these wonderful promises mean that our children will not go through difficulties and even times of turning away, rebellion and dissolute living? Consider the reality that we are not perfect ourselves—our own lives are damaged deeply by sin in every area. We do not pray as we should for our children. We do not live before them in full obedience to the Lord in everything we do. We do not teach them perfectly the glorious truth that we know touches every area of life. In addition, we do not bring perfect children into this world. They bear the stain of Adam and Eve’s sin etched right through them—though they also bear God’s glorious image. Our children also bear the inheritance of our particular brokenness.

So, with this understanding of our own and our children’s sinfulness, we should not be surprised by Jesus teaching a parable like that of the Prodigal Son, or perhaps the Parable of the Two Lost Sons (Luke 15:11-32). As we reflect on the hardness of our own hearts when we read a story like this, we have to be honest enough to acknowledge that, at one time or another, we have all been prodigals; and we have all been elder brothers. But, notice here we have a story with a good father—a father who represents the goodness, generosity and kindness of God. Yet, his sons have little respect for him. Both receive their inheritance, but neither is grateful or appreciative of their father’s generous spirit. The one wastes all he is given and finally comes to his senses. He is welcomed home with extraordinary grace. The other is angry, resentful, self-centered and self righteous. We never hear whether he comes to repentance for the story leaves that question hanging unanswered.

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