THE PRODIGAL
Next time you’re preaching on the Prodigal Son you might note that that Buddhists have a similar (but different) story which stresses the earning of righteousness in contrast with the free grace in Christ’s story. In the Lotus of Perfect Law the son leaves home and spends many years, finally returning in rags and misery. He does not recognize his father, but the father recognizes him and tells his servants to take him to the mansion and to clean him up. Still not revealing his identity, he waits to see if the son will become worthy to become a son. He assigns humble tasks and leads him on through encouragement. Not until his son had become used to his duty, withstood temptation, and broken himself of a mean spirit did the father reveal his identity. He formally declared him to be his heir, and introduced him to his relatives, the king and other people. The father did not accept his son while…
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