The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Luke 15:11-17, “And He said, ‘A certain man had two sons; 12 and the younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.” And he divided his wealth between them.

13 And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a

distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living.

14 “Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be in

need. 15 “And he went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his

fields to feed swine. 16 And he was longing to fill his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and

no one was giving anything to him. 17 “But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s

hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!’”

You immediately recognized this passage as the parable of the Prodigal Son. There is more to the passage,

but I felt these verses were sufficient for our thoughts today. I heard a popular preacher use this passage

to say to a man that it indicates that no matter how sinful we might be, the LORD will forgive us if we

acknowledge our sin and ask His forgiveness. While what the preacher said is true, it is not the meaning

the LORD intended when He spoke this parable.

Vital to the understanding of any biblical passage is the context. First, who spoke the words we are reading? Second, to whom did he say them? Third, what was the reaction to the words that were spoken? All of these things and more constitute the “context” of the passage. In every Scriptural passage, there is but one interpretation; yet, there may be multiple applications. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the interpretation deals with the Jews, who have forsaken the Law of the Father and lusted After the other gods. The parable shows that the LORD allows His people to stray, but is always lovingly awaiting their return. Certainly, there are many applications of this parable; we just must not overlook why it was originally given.

The statement, “I’ll send you $1000.00” can only be understood in it’s context. The full context may say,

“If I earn it, I’ll send you $1000.00”; or “It will be a cold day in Czechoslovakia if I send you $1000.00!”

Context does make a difference. THINK as you read the Bible. PRAY that the LORD will give you a clear

understanding of what you read. You will be amazed how much He will teach you!!

We are praying for you and trust you’ll be in Church today,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”