In chapter 15 we have three lost things. Lost sheep. Lost coins. And lost sons. We know this story as the prodigal son. But a better name might be the loving Father.
The son asks for his inheritance early. Then blows it. Returns home expecting to grovel for scraps at the family table. Instead he's met with the compassion of a loving father.
In Jewish law, the eldest son would have received a great share of the inheritance than younger sons. It was not unusual for a father to distribute his estate before his death so that he could retire, although early Jews warned against this practice.
The son hits rock bottom and ends up with a job feeding pigs. An especially horrible thing for a Jewish person, since pigs were considered unclean. He decides enough is enough and heads home. His father rushes to meet him with forgiveness and love. The father calls for the fatted calf. This calf would have been kept for sacrifices on special feast days. A meal of meat was rare in ancient Palestine.
The coming home party doesn't sit well with the older brother. His unhappiness illustrates the response of the Pharisees and scribes at the prospect of sinners becoming acceptable to God.
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