Topical Bible: Servant: Hired: The Rebellious Son

◄ Servant: Hired: The Rebellious Son ►

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In biblical times, the concept of servanthood was multifaceted, encompassing various roles and responsibilities. Among these, the notion of a "hired servant" is distinct from that of a bondservant or slave, as hired servants were typically employed for wages and had more freedom. The Bible provides insights into the dynamics of servanthood, particularly in the context of family relationships and societal expectations.

The parable of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15:11-32, offers a poignant illustration of a rebellious son who becomes akin to a hired servant. The narrative begins with a younger son demanding his share of the inheritance from his father, which he subsequently squanders in reckless living. This act of rebellion against familial authority and tradition highlights the son's initial disregard for his father's provision and wisdom.

After experiencing the consequences of his actions, the son finds himself in dire straits, feeding pigs and longing to eat their food. In this moment of desperation, he reflects on the condition of his father's hired servants, who have "more than enough bread" (Luke 15:17). This realization marks a turning point, as he acknowledges the disparity between his current plight and the well-being of those employed by his father.

The son's decision to return home and seek his father's forgiveness is accompanied by a willingness to assume the status of a hired servant. He plans to confess, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants" (Luke 15:18-19). This request signifies a profound transformation in the son's heart, as he moves from rebellion to humility, recognizing the value of servanthood under his father's care.

Upon his return, the father's response is one of compassion and restoration. Instead of accepting the son's offer to become a hired servant, the father reinstates him as a son, celebrating his return with a feast. This act of grace underscores the father's love and forgiveness, transcending the son's initial rebellion and desire to be a mere servant.

The parable serves as a powerful metaphor for the relationship between God and humanity, illustrating themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the restoration of sonship. It also highlights the dignity and provision associated with being a hired servant in a righteous household, contrasting with the degradation experienced by the son in his waywardness.

In the broader biblical context, the role of a hired servant is often associated with fair treatment and just compensation, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. Leviticus 19:13 commands, "You must not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages due a hired hand must not remain with you until morning." This directive reflects God's concern for justice and the well-being of those who labor, ensuring that hired servants are treated with respect and integrity.

The account of the rebellious son, therefore, not only illustrates the personal journey of repentance and redemption but also sheds light on the societal and familial structures that uphold the dignity of servanthood. Through this narrative, the Bible affirms the value of every individual, whether a son or a servant, within the divine economy of grace and mercy.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 15:15-19
And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Lost Sheep.
... adheres to the method of employing a hired servant to keep ... and such its sphere, that
the servant is necessarily ... into the world is to win the rebellious back by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxii the lost sheep.htm

Conclusion
... Balak had a will when he hired Balaam to come ... assurance fills the soul of every servant
who intelligently ... when of old He overthrew the rebellious Pharaoh and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the sovereignty of god/conclusion.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... he should be such a fool, as by rebellious doings to ... but little of his excellency
before his servant Peter's face ... 'Make me as one of thy hired servants,' says ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

The Domestic Relation.
... your own spirit you are far on the way to conquer the rebellious spirit of ... of slavery
are no more, but men and women have their hired man and maid servant. ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm

The Godhood of God
... its mouth and swallow alive Korah and his rebellious company. ... stoned to death; for
one sin the servant of Elisha ... Balak had a will when he hired Balaam to come ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the godhood of god/the godhood of god.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... of seeking help from Jehovah, had hired the Assyrians ... mentioned by name: "For Jacob
my servant's sake, and ... whither he was carried by the rebellious remnant of ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Paul's First Prayer
... thou me?" He then graciously removed his rebellious heart"gave ... himself, he likes
to have a pious servant, and he ... used to say, "I would not be hired out of my ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/pauls first prayer.htm

Sovereignty of God in Administration
... her mouth and Korah and his rebellious company were ... themselves, they carried it to
Jehovah's servant in his ... Balak hired Balaam to curse the Israelites but God ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter three sovereignty of god.htm

The Bible
... Armies are no longer mere levies or hired cohorts, every ... In John, this Jewish King,
this Servant of God and ... in describing the doings of a rebellious king, and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... my hair: and then I subdued my rebellious body with ... is tried to the uttermost, and
thy servant loveth it ... age married Keturah; [487] that Leah hired Jacob with ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm