Preaching Magazine Year's Best Book for Preachers
Where is the cross in the parable of the prodigal son?
For centuries, Muslims have called attention to the father's forgiveness in this parable in order to question the need for a Mediator between humanity and God. In The Cross and the Prodigal, Kenneth E. Bailey–New Testament scholar and long-time missionary to the Middle East–undertakes to answer this question.
Drawing on his extensive knowledge of both the New Testament and Middle Eastern culture, Bailey presents an interpretation of this parable from a Middle Eastern perspective and, in doing so, powerfully demonstrates its essentially Christian message. Here Bailey highlights the underlying tensions between law and love, servanthood and sonship, honor and forgiveness that grant this story such timeless spiritual and theological power.
Tabella dei contenuti
Introduction to the Second Edition
Preface
Part One: Commentary on Luke 15
1. Rejoice with Me: Luke 15:1-10
2. The Death Wish: Luke 15:11-12
3. The Face-Saving Plan: Luke 15:13-19
4. The Shattering Confrontation: Luke 15:20-24
5. The Missing Climax: Luke 15:25-32
Part Two: ‘Two Sons Have I Not’
Introduction
Scene 1: The Breakfast Table
Scene 2: The Herd of Swine
Scene 3: The Robe
Scene 4: The Banquet
Production Notes
Music for Shaluk’s Song
Bibliography
Circa l’autore
Kenneth E. Bailey is an author and lecturer in Middle Eastern New Testament studies. He spent forty years living and teaching New Testament in Egypt, Lebanon, Jerusalem and Cyprus. Bailey has written many books in English and Arabic, including The Cross and the Prodigal, Jacob and the Prodigal and Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes.