Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #123687 in Books
• Published on: 2005-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 151 pages

Customer Reviews

Loved into the Kingdom
Ken Bailey seeks to explain the three parables from Luke 15, The lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son from the perspective of Jesus original listeners. Most of his attention is given to the latter, better known as "The Prodigal Son." The subtitle says, "Luke 15 through the Eyes of Middle Eastern Peasants." Most of us will have to take his word that contemporary peasants are a good interpreter of the people of Jesus day. Maybe, maybe not.

However, he does draw out some fresh insights on both the younger son (the lost, the prodigal) and particularly the elder son (also lost) who is often ignored in the preaching/teaching of the story. Of interest is Bailey's view that the younger son did not repent in the 'far country' but when he was enveloped in his father's love. Being restored is all about relationships and not a rationally thought out series of decisions. Evangelists take note!

His view that the older son was just as lost and estranged from the father adds a great deal to the interpretation of the parable.

The latter part of the book is a play of 4 scenes. Would be a good project for churches looking for a dramatic presentation of the parable.