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THE STORY OF THE PRODIGAL, THE INDIGNANT, AND THE LOVING FATHER
I love Jesus' parable popularly known as "The Prodigal Son." Although the essence of the story related in the 15th chapter of Luke (verses 11-32) is familiar to so many, there is no shortage of layers to explore and lessons to be learned from this simple narrative. Which lesson stands out may depend on one's perspective at any given moment. And if we are to understand Jesus' message, it helps to understand his audience. One reason Jesus spoke in parables was so the stories would be remembered and retold—even when the message was not totally understood. As a story such as this is retold to ever broadening and more receptive audiences, it seems reasonable that the lessons learned deepen and expand.
The scene for Jesus' telling of the prodigal's story is set as indignant scribes and Pharisees are having a fit over the fact that tax collectors and sinners have been hanging around listening to Jesus. He welcomed—even ate with—them! But who were the scribes and Pharisees? And why did they hate the tax collectors and sinners so much?
About the author
Katherine R. Fitzer is Christian Science practitioner who lives in St. Louis, Missouri.

December 15, 2008 issue
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LETTERS
with contributions from ELIZABETH BEALL, MAX HUTCHINSON, LAUREL MARQUART, PETER SANDLER, JOHN PATTERSON
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COMING HOME
MAIKE BYRD, STAFF EDITOR
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ITEMS OF INTEREST
with contributions from Michelle Bearden, Matti Friedman
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THE FATHER'S WELCOME HOME
MARK SWINNEY
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A MOTHER'S PRAYERS AND A SON'S RETURN...
NAME WITHHELD
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The divine connection
Marjorie K. Talbot
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Prayer for Darfur
COLLEEN DOUGLASS
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Bikes and Healing
TOM BLACK
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FROM THE CLERK OF THE MOTHER CHURCH
Nate Talbot
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MOUNTAINS, SNOWMOBILES, AND ANGELS
EVAN MEHLENBACHER
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SWEPT UP IN HEALING
JOHN KOHLER
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NATIVITY STORIES THAT FREE AND SAVE
CHRISTA KREUTZ
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NOT PRAY AND FIX—PRAY AND LISTEN
TONI NAYBACK
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PRAYER FOR THE WORLD'S CHILDREN
BEVERLY FOLTZ
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COMPLETE AND QUICK HEALING OF BURN
DORINDA BERNER with contributions from MIKE BERNER
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DESIRE TO BECOME A MOTHER FULFILLED THROUGH PRAYER
ALICIA BITTEL
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HEALED QUICKLY OF A PUNCTURE WOUND
CHRIS RANKIN
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TO LIVE 'THE LIFE OF LOVE'
Editor