The Parable of the Two Sons (Luke 15:11-32)
Here are two artistic images of the story in Luke 15:11-32 that we read and reflected on together. The first (unattributed) is like much artwork inspired by this story, focusing on the reconciliation of the Father and the Younger Son . This parable has most often been referred to as The Parable of the Prodigal Son. But Rembrandt's treatment of the story (the second image) includes the Older Son. In class we sought to identify with all three main characters in the story. The Older Son is an indispensable character in this powerful teaching story. Many people identify much more readily with the Older Son than with the Younger one, often protesting that the Father's excessive graciousness and celebration with the Younger Son is "unfair." Yes, we all need some reconcilation, don't we?