The Prodigal Son [part nine]

The more complete message of repentance includes both a change of mind, and a change of behavior. The essential message of both John the Baptist and Jesus to the Jews was one of repentance. As John began his work near the Jordan he preached, "repent for the kingdom is at hand" (Matthew 3:2). Jesus came after John and preached, "Repent for the kingdom is at hand" (Matthew 4:17).

John also told the Jews to "bring forth fruits worthy of repentance" (Matthew 3:8). This word "worthy" originally meant to "weight as much" and literally meant their works on one side of the scales must balance the demands of repentance on the other side. Clearly suggesting they must change their minds and their behavior. The preaching of repentance, early in the life of Jesus sets the stage for the demands of the kingdom. When the Pharisees challenged Him for receiving sinners and eating with them, Jesus told three stories that illustrate the goal that He came not "to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:32).

One of the stories which has been our focus in this series - - the prodigal son - - demonstrated to the Pharisees, as is seen in the accounts of the lost sheep and lost coin, that "there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repents…" (Luke 15:7, 10). What is there about repentance that makes it so special and so noteworthy that it brings "joy" to the angels of heaven? Let’s explore that question.

First, humans are creatures of intellect who can reason, understand and learn. We are also beings who can process what we learn, and then act upon that knowledge. We can discern good and evil and then decide the road we will follow. When humans take the wrong road, if honesty is found in their hearts, upon receipt or remembrance of God’s word, their minds can be changed, they can change their behavior, and then begin a walk of righteousness.

Second, this idea of "change" is illustrated in the story of "two sons" found in Matthew 21:28-32. Here it may also carry with it the idea of "regret." In this story a father is told by one of his sons that he would not work in his vineyard. Later, he "repented" and went and worked. Clearly this son changed his mind and his actions. But, "regret" appears to be involved because Paul says, "Godly sorrow works repentance" (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Third, in the account of the prodigal son, this son rebelled and journeyed far from his father into a life of riotous living. In time he "came to himself," "resolved" to go to his father, and confessed, "I have sinned against heaven," concluding he was no longer worthy to be called a son. Both "regret" and "change of mind" are intertwined in this story. Spiritually, this son was "dead" and was "lost," but after his return he was "alive" and "found" (Luke 15:17-21).

Maybe you have chosen a course in your life that you "regret." And now that you’ve given it further consideration, you’ve had a "change of mind." The prodigal’s "regret" reached all the way to heaven, bringing him to "repentance." It is my prayer that your "regret" will take you down that same "road."