Considering the backstory of the prodigal son
What the parable doesn’t say is as interesting as some of its obvious lessons
There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.” (Luke 15:11-12)
When you read the full text of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, you know that the family had a business with hired servants, animals, and fields. And if you have any experience in a family business, the issues raised in the story hit home.
The parable is also compelling because it causes us to wonder about the circumstances surrounding this family triangle. Even the first two lines raise a number of contextual questions. Some interaction I had with a reader after last week’s post furthered my interest in exploring what isn’t said.
The man had two sons. I wonder if he had any daughters? The parable doesn’t say, but it made me think about how many times daughters feel overlooked in a family business. The assumption is often that “the boys” will be the ones to run the business or make the decisions, even when the daughters might be more qualified. How are women or daughters treated in your family business? Do they feel overlooked or invisible when it comes to the family company? Are they offered roles commensurate with their strengths and abilities?
The man had two sons. I wonder what the relationship was like between these two sons? A common dynamic is sibling rivalry, or at least competition. How did that influence the environment, or set the stage for the younger son’s request? How have sibling rivalries affected working relationships in your family company? Are they present today, or did the siblings grow out of them? How does the relationship between siblings affect other (non-family) team members in your company?
The younger son was the one who asked for his inheritance early. I wonder what the younger son was going through that led him to make such a brazen request? Asking for one’s inheritance early is uncommon and presumptuous, if not entitled. I can’t help but wonder if he was unhappy working for his father, or if their father-son relationship was strained? What was their communication like? Was the working environment with the “loyal brother” and “successful father” creating unachievable expectations, a situation in which the younger brother felt he could never succeed? Or did the younger son lack interest in his family’s work, and simply want to explore the world? Have you experienced a family member leaving the business, and if so, do you understand the real reasons for the departure? How well do you know what your family members are struggling with?
The parable doesn’t answer these kinds of questions for us. Rather, it asks us to consider how we identify with the situation and its characters, and how to internalize and apply Jesus’ teaching. Thanks for reading along as I wonder about what isn’t said in this challenging parable.