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Luke 15 – Why Was The Young Son Hungry?
In Jesus’ parable Luke 15, why did the younger son go hungry? Before answering, what we communicate is not necessarily what others perceive. Our varied experiences filter meaning. Understanding that can help us understand others, and hopefully not assign meaning that is not there. Also, understanding that helps us accept that while everyone has the same information, not everyone weighs each fact evenly.
“What Do They Hear? Bridging the Gap Between Pulpit & Pew” is a book by Mark Allan Powell. In it he illustrates his point by asking preachers from America, Russia, and Africa, the same question: Why did the prodigal son go hungry?
Preachers from America focused on Luke 15:13: “Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living” (HCSB). America is a land of opportunity, individual responsibility, and affluence. After all “prodigal” means wasteful. It’s his own fault.
Preachers from Russia zeroed in on Luke 15:14: “After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing” (HCSB). Russia has a history of severe famines. It’s either bad luck or nature, or God.
Preachers from Africa emphasized Luke 15:16: “He longed to eat his fill from the carob pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him any” (HCSB). While Africans, like the Russians, have had drastic famines, what demoralized many was the lack of help. This third view looks at others failing to be their brother’s keeper.
Which of these answer correctly as to why the prodigal son went hungry? All of them. Mr. Powell simply but brilliantly shows why people don’t always get what we’re saying. Maybe this will help us be more patient and less judgmental. And pssst, this American preacher still thinks the younger son has no one to blame but himself. But others will disagree.
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