Where is the Cross in the Prodigal Son Parable?
By using the prodigal son parable, Jesus explains, in part, why he needed to die on the cross.
Dr. Kenneth Bailey, who lived and taught in the Middle East for over 40 years, writes..."The father’s suffering at the beginning of the story has no effect on the prodigal son. The son isn't even aware of it. The son must first witness a demonstration of the father's suffering. Without witnessing this demonstration, the callous son will never understand that he is the cause of the broken relationship. Without the father's visible demonstration of suffering, the prodigal will return to the house as a servant. He will quite likely take on more and more of the characteristics of his older brother. Without this visible demonstration of costly love, there can be no reconciliation. Isn’t this the story of the way God deals with the sin of the world on the cross?"