Review 'The Prodigal God'

Review: Timothy Keller, 'The Prodigal God, 2008, Hodder & Stoughton, 138p.


As the title suggests, this is an exposition of the well-known parable from Luke 15.

But what an exposition! Part running commentary, part expansive sermon, this easily red gem of a book uses the parable to lay the gospel before the reader in a winsome and holistic manner.

A distinctive feature is the attention that he gives to the older brother. Both from the context of Jesus' first hearers and from the balance of the parable itself, Keller argues that at least equal focus should be given to the older brother.

As Ketter says, its a parable of two lost brothers. One is the wastrel who is lost 'without' - one characterized . The other is the self-righteous who is lost 'within'. Both need the father's love and the father goes out to both. But where the wastrel accepts the father's love the other son rejects. He is by far the harder case.

Jesus is attractive portrayed as the true older brother who is the 'keeper' of the lost and who reaches out to reclaim him at personal cost.

That's enough to give a taste of this great book. Who's it for? Enquirers or new Christians are obvious readers. But likewise for those who have been believers or even leaders for many years and who could do with a freshening up in gospel 101.