February 2017

Surprise parties work. At least they do for me; I got fooled twice.

The first time was when I turned 23. My grad school roommate told me that he’d take me to a movie for my birthday but when we got to the car, he said he’d forgotten his wallet. We had to go back to the apartment to retrieve it but when he opened the door, the loud “Surprise!” blew my hair back! Momentary fright gave way to fun; my friends tricked me but that was okay. Happy to entertain them!

The second time was my 50th birthday. My family and I were going to host our Friday night Bible study and from my perspective, everything looked normal. The regulars showed up and after chatting a bit, we took our seats in the family room. While the meeting was getting underway, others were sneaking into the house but I couldn’t see them because of where I was sitting.

That’s when my wife pulled a fast one by interrupting the group to announce “Happy Birthday!” People poured into the room and all I could think was, “There goes my Bible study! Looks like I got fooled again!” They nailed me; I never saw it coming.

You would think that around my birthday I’d catch the hints that something’s brewing, but no, I’ve been clueless.

Surprise parties work. They fool people, but not everyone. Guests aren’t stunned and neither are hosts. But in the parable of the prodigal son (which we studied last week), Jesus reveals that a grace-based celebration can surprise everyone!

According to the parable, when the rebellious son’s life bottomed out, he decided to return home. He didn’t believe that the family would ever welcome him back, but he hoped to be hired to work on his father’s farm. Desperation motivated this young man.

He rehearsed his pitch, likely fearing the hostility of his dad. The prodigal felt that, if he got right to the point, he’d have a chance at being taken on board.

But when his father saw his son coming up the road, he ran toward him and locked him in a bear hug. The boy apologized and asked for work but to no avail. Here’s how Jesus tells it:

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” – Luke 15:22-24

The prodigal son was startled by a surprise party. He never expected it; he couldn’t imagine it. But he found himself feasting, reconciling, and enjoying.

The party shocked the father, too. This may seem odd, but think about it. He didn’t know when his son would return; he didn’t know if he would return. But there he was–and the only way father could respond was to blurt out: “Let’s throw a party!” Yes, he’s the host, but by impulse, not design. The party was his idea, not his plan.

The party rattled a third person whom Jesus discusses to finish the parable:

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” – Luke 15:25-32

“No, I’m not going!” he fumed. “It’s not fair!” Shocked but resolute, the elder brother refused his father’s wish. He wouldn’t attend the party. How could he? In his mind, it reeked of favoritism and injustice.

How could the dad honor someone who dishonored him? How foolish! And why not splurge on the older son? Didn’t he deserve a banquet or two?

God’s grace takes us by surprise. The prodigal son hoped to be hired by his dad; he dared not dream of restoration, much less celebration. The elder son is scandalized by the decision of his father. He can’t follow his reasoning and he disagrees with his premise. You don’t celebrate sinners.

There’s a third surprise here. It concerns the values of the father. He’s willing to celebrate the return of his son because he wants him. He prizes his boy and is overjoyed to have him back. From the family’s point of view, the prodigal had died; this was like getting him back from the grave! Who wouldn’t celebrate?

You may have thrown a surprise party or two; you may have been the recipient (victim?) of a few. Based on your experiences, put yourself in the position of each of these family members.

Were you the prodigal, how would you react to your dad’s generosity? Were you the older son, how would you feel about your father’s celebration of your errant brother? And were you the father, how would you react to your sons? What would you say to each of them?

Surprise parties work. Use your familiarity with them to help you appreciate Christ’s parable. And let Jesus’ teaching show you how unexpected and remarkable God’s grace is.