Saturday

“When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need.  So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs.”—Luke 15:14-15

I’m sure most of us respond to this part of the story of the Prodigal Son by thinking: ew, pigs.  Their defenders might assert their cleanliness, and their babies might be really cute, but the pig barn at the fair is NOT the most pleasant place to be on a warm summer’s day. 

If you were a first-century Jew, however, your first reaction would likely be not “ew” so much as “AAACK!”  Pigs weren’t just a little stinky; they were unclean.  As in ritually.  Jews did not—still do not—eat pork.  Even to be near these animals was to invite not just dirty clothes but a dirty being. 

Jesus could have chosen to tell the story with cows or with chickens.  He chose pigs for a reason.  Understanding the context helps us experience the full impact of this father’s love.  Even at our dirtiest, we are welcomed with open arms by our Father.

You love us at our worst, Lord—thank you.  We can never repay your grace, but we can clean ourselves up to live for you.  Help us with our washing, this day and always.  Amen.