It is doubtful that many would argue that a large emphasis within the mission of disciples of Christ is to put the truth of Scripture before ourselves and others that God would be glorified. This is fundamental to who we are as Christians. However, within this lifelong mission, we too often become familiar with the narratives and have a functional understanding of the text and so we move on without true life transformation. John MacArthur endeavors to change that. In his newest book, A Tale of Two Sons, MacArthur unpacks the parable of the prodigal son in the pattern of clear, biblical, convicting teaching that many of us have come to love from his ministry.
I appreciate the ‘angle’ that they took in writing and publishing this book. The whole feel of the book comes across as a story. Everything from the font on the cover, the image of a burly figure, to the subtitle of (The inside story of a Father, His Sons, and a Shocking Murder), all reflect the type of drama we would expect in a masterful story. And it is helpful to remember that this is, after all, a story told by Jesus himself, to communicate spiritual truth.
The book is broken neatly into four main parts:
The Parable, which provides a wide-angeled preview;
The Prodigal, which deals with the rebellious son
The Father, which obviously deals with the gracious and forgiving father
The Elder Brother, which identifies his own rebellious heart
The basic summary of the book and the parable is that the prodigal son is the rebellious sinner who has squandered the good gifts of God and in his own heart truly wished death upon God. The elder brother is identified as the Pharisees who, while staying close to the Father outwardly, were actually inwardly themselves in a distant land. The Father, of course, is God. Who loves his children and rejoices in their salvation. Nowhere is this more picturesque than in the description of the Father, with his robe hiked up, ankles exposed, without regard for shame, is seen pursuing and welcoming his estranged son.
“The Prodigal had come home prepared to kiss his Father’s feet. Instead, the father was kissing the Prodigal’s pig-stinking head. Such an embrace with repeated kisses was a gesture that signified not only the Father’s delirious joy but also his full acceptance, friendship, love, forgiveness, restoration, and total reconciliation.”
One of the strengths of this book is its historical and cultural detail. MacArthur blends many hours in the study reading with what appears to be many hours in the text meditating upon its truth. What results is really the aim of expository preaching, a wonderful blend of historical, cultural understanding, armed with the powerful truth of the Scripture, through the medium of a man of God who has been utterly transformed by it. From this perspective, A Tale of Two Sons is a gem.
I would love to comment about the way the book ended, however, it is not the typical way in which a teaching on this verses is punctuated. Instead, I’ll save the ending for you and commend the book to you. This book is heart-stirring, pride-humbling, Pharisee-exposing, and Christ-exalting. You will no doubt be blessed in reading it.
