Luke 15:11-32 "Shoes"

You can learn a lot about a person by noticing their shoes. People wear various shoes depending on their occupation or recreation. The weather often determines the type of shoes a person might wear. As I pondered this topic of shoes, three types of shoes came to my mind.


The first type I thought of was baby shoes. Everyday is a new adventure full of little steps, bumps, bruises, and the occasional fall for the child wearing these shoes. These shoes often find trouble and mischief without the notice of any surrounding danger. These little shoes belong to individuals who can not wait for anything, they want what they want immediately.


The second type of shoe was the work boot. This shoe is tough and dependable. This shoe is expected to perform when worn. Rain or shine this shoe must keep the foot warm, dry, and protected from the elements.


The final shoe was a bedroom slipper. This shoe is warm, soft and comfortable. It is usually worn in a safe environment. People usually wear these shoes until they are tattered and torn.


As I meditated on these various shoes I read Luke 15:11-32. I could not help but classify the three characters of this parable by the three types of shoes I had thought about.


The younger son must have been wearing the baby shoes. He impatiently wanted his inheritance to go and explore a world full of new and exciting things. He chased after life and in the process received numerous bumps and bruises. He saw no danger in leaving home at such a young age.


The elder son was wearing the work boots. He had been someone the father could depend on. He had expectations for the younger son upon his return. The elder son expected the father to exercise wrath on his brother and was full of resentment when the father did celebrated the younger son's return.


The father was walking in the bedroom slippers. The father was soft and warm for both sons. He made each son comfortable. The father offered forgiveness to the younger while providing affirmation and assurance to the elder.


Henri Nouwen wrote a book titled The Return of the Prodigal Son. In this book, he proposes that it is our task to move from the position of the younger son or the elder son to the position of the father. As I stated earlier, you can learn a lot by noticing the shoes people are wearing. I believe each of us has worn the shoes of the younger and elder brother. Some of us might even be trying out the shoes of the father. I agree with Nouwen. We must grow in our faith so that we can wear the shoes of the father.


Take a moment right now to ponder the shoes you are wearing. Are they the shoes of the younger or elder son? The good news is you do not have to wear these shoes forever. You can change shoes today. What might I learn about you if I noticed your shoes today?