Quote: (03-31-2019 02:04 AM)EndsExpect Wrote:
This parable is great for your friend, but is often uncomfortable to those who continually do things right.
Becoming closer to God requires an abandonment of arrogance and discarding the human idea of fairness.
You've misunderstood the parable. Re-read it more closely.
The Prodigal Son returns, confessing his sins and begging forgiveness.
The 'Righteous' son mistakenly believes he's without sin and has nothing to ask forgiveness for.
Remember: Even the Just Man falls seven times a day.
Remember my Stalker, upthread? Thinks everyone in the Church but him is a Sinner, for a variety of petty reasons. "Don't tell me about humility! I'm humble! I hate it when people tell me something I already know!"
Pay closer attention. The Faux-Righteous Son is invited to the feast - but refuses to go in. The Father pleads for him to enter, but he chooses to stand outside, because he can't forgive.
Look even closer. The Prodigal Son calls his Father his Father, and the Father calls him Son.
The Faux-Righteous Son never calls his Father, 'Father', and whom he should rightfully call 'Brother' he calls 'this son of yours'.
Note that Jesus doesn't resolve the story. Does the Faux-Righteous Son forgive his Brother and enter the feast, or does he stubbornly choose to stand outside forever due to thinking his own judgment is superior to the Father's?
This is why people choose Hell, rather than being sent there.