I’m not sure what you are getting at here. What do you mean “Jesus words aren’t for everyone”? Who are they for?

Its a self selecting group. Jesus himself said 'many are called few are chosen' and talked about people who would hear what he said vs those who wouldn't. In the very beginning, while He was walking the earth, people were telling Him he was wrong.

What does the parable ask the older brother to do

I'm not sure the parable addresses it, but Christ does in His other teachings. If the prodigal is the new believer and God is the father (not a stretch) then the previous believer can be the older brother. I've heard Christians in churches say "we spend too much time on the new believers" which I believe, again, is missing the point. "All that I have is yours" means the older brother has access to everything. All rights as an heir. He can be understandably jealous that half the kingdom is squandered. That would be to focus on STUFF and Jesus was clearly focused on PEOPLE. Why wasn't the brother overjoyed that his lost brother had returned? Misplaced priorities?


Part of the brilliance of this parable in my opinion is precisely this ambiguity and the fact that the story is left unresolved

I agree. Luckily Christ didn't drop to the earth, give this parable, then ascend into heaven. We have many chapters of His works and words to study. Those tell us Jesus was deeply wounded emotionally looking for lost people, leading them to repentance.


I’m not saying Elaine was either skeptical of Christianity or that she was intelligently approaching the text. I am commending her for being honest about both what the text said, and what she was or was not willing to do about it. I think all of us fail to live up to what the text asks of us, but few of us are as honest as she is.


I'm saying Elaine was missing the point of the story. I'm saying, in all honestly, that I don't think Jesus Christ got this wrong.



“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried.” - GK Chesterton

I think a lot of people are trying. I think Elaine was worried more about stuff and fairness and missing that Gods grace is extended to all who will accept it, and that's unfair. I'm glad its unfair, because I understand what I deserve and I am glad I don't have to face it.
Ray