One of the fascinating things that stands out as we read the parables of Jesus is to see the literary themes that link them together. As well as linking back to the stories about a lost sheep and a lost coin, the parable of the prodigal son links forward to the two parables in Luke 16.
First, the prodigal son is seen to be irresponsible with the wealth entrusted to him, he wastes it. However, unlike the shrewd steward who is also questionable in his handling of the resources give to him, it seems that the son does not use what he has in order to invest in friendships that will be there when disaster comes.
Secondly, we can see comparisons and contrasts between the lost son and Lazarus. Both find themselves in a destitute position. The son has only pigs for company, the beggar, dogs. Both would not have been good companions for a ceremonially clean Jew. Lazarus, like the son finds himself longing for another’s food. This does kind of imply that the rich man has all the social skills and morals of a pig!
The lost son is welcomed back into his Father’s embrace and a feast is given in his honour. Lazarus is welcomed into Father Abraham’s embrace at the eschatological feast. Meanwhile, like the older brother, the rich man is found at a distance, on the outside looking Father Abraham has a conversation with him, just as the Father does with the older brother, though this one is less positive. The theme of a dead son brough to life and an older brother who has a lifetime of enjoying the good things of the family estate do relate well to the point that Lazarus has suffered want, he has in effect been in the place of death on the outside and the rich man has had the opportunity to enjoy the blessings of a good life.
Some commentators have legitimately associated the older brother with the Jewish religious leaders and their attitudes to the sinners and outcasts that Jesus associates his time with. So, it is reasonable too, in my opinion to see parallels with the rich man and Lazarus. The rick man can be seen to represent those prosperous, hypocritical leaders whilst Lazarus is on the outside with the tax collectors, publicans and of course Gentiles. This makes it all the more poignant to notice that the rich man and his kin have had full access to the Law and Prophets but missed the message.
Jesus comes, as much to take Lazarus place as that of the prodigal, to become poor and an outcast so that the beggars and outcastes of this life can be raised up to the joy of eternal life and blessings in him. They can enjoy Abraham’s embrace marking them out as the true covenant people of God.
Faithroots 