I’m posting this review after my discussion with Lee Duigon in his post ‘Behold the Power’ (2016) in which we were talking about John MacArthur’s insight into the Parables in the Gospels. As a result of that discussion I was looking for my review of MacArthur’s book A Tale of Two Sons and realized that though I read the book in 2011 I didn’t post it here before! So here it is, with an updated and expanded review!
John MacArthur. A Tale of Two Sons by John F. MacArthur Jr.. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing Company, April 1st 2008. 221 pp.
5 out of 5
Purchase: Amazon
This is an excellent book by Pastor and Teacher John MacArthur. Here in this book MacArthur gives meticulous care to the details in Jesus’ famous parable of what is often called the Prodigal Son. MacArthur’s exposition brings out insights from the text, the context and cultural background, this is par excellence of what expository preaching should look like though this is in book form.
Some of the details I found in this book have been insights I have not found anywhere else and I have read a lot of materials and works on the Parable of the Prodigal Son (for instance Tim Keller’s own take on the parable which I review here). For instance he points out that this is one of Jesus’ longest parable and definitely one of Jesus’ most detailed parable that He gave in the Gospels. Those details do matter. It is a dramatic parable even if one just reads it but the way MacArthur looks at it reveals how intense the story is for the original audience and when Jesus originally told it, and since we are separated from the original context of thousands of years we might miss the full force of Jesus’ shocking story. I don’t want to give too much away but just the fact that MacArthur pointed out that older and more dignified men in those days don’t run is a nugget insight as to the shocking and scandalous love by the “father” in the Story. Here was love that was unashamed and gushes forth despite popular cultural conventions! More shocking is who MacArthur said the “father” represent and also the “shocking end.” You just got to read it yourself, it is biblical, fresh and leaves readers at awe with God, Christ and the Gospel.
It is definitely a good read, and a good book to get for someone to see the richness of God’s love and the Gospel. It is also a book that is an excellent gift for someone who is not saved. For Christians who have grown cold to the love of Christ this makes for an excellent devotional. Have tissues ready. But more importantly pray that God uses this to renew your love for Him because of Christ’s love for us. I can’t recommend this book enough!
The Domain for Truth 
Reblogged this on moreinkpleaseblog.
Thank you Beverly for reblogging this, let me know how your day goes for tomorrow, just prayed for you and your care taking of your father.
Thank you. It is just an on going thing with no end in sight . He doesn’t want to be here and there is nothing outside of God’s mercythat will changing anything.
This sounds really good
I remember reading this book, it was enlightening and encouraging. Thanks for sharing SlimJim. Sometimes I end up rereading the same books too 😉.
Looks good. Thanks for the review! People argue whether the prodigal son represents the unsaved or the backslider, but you didn’t divulge J Mac’s view. What’s up with that? 😤
lol. I myself take that the prodigal son during the season of rebellion represented the prodigal season of unbelief before being saved. I think MacArthur takes that view. I myself see that because the prodigal son because of Luke 15:1 in which the prodigal son represented the sinners and tax collectors coming to Jesus while the oldest son represented the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees. What is your own take on that question?
I get the interpretation you mention as it relates to the two types of Jews, but I tend to view this as a parable of the serious backslider, like I was. 😊
I haven’t read the book, I did hear John MacArthur’s sermon on the same subject . Thank you for recommending and reviewing the book .
That is encouraging to hear that you have heard MacArthur’s sermon on the Prodigal Son. The book is based upon his sermon. I enjoyed both the sermon and the book but I typically like books more since I remember more from it. I appreciated you reading this review Crissy this book for me is hands down my favorite work by MacArthur. Have a blessed day sister!
God bless you brother Jim
Sounds wonderful! Added it to my book wish list!
Have I sent any books to you before? Can’t keep track with what I send people as gifts!
Yes, you did! I haven’t finished “The Ultimate Proof of Creation” but have enjoyed what I’ve read of it. (I tend to be a slow reader).
Sinclair Ferguson agrees with Mac regarding the identity of the father. He said as much in a Q & A from the latest Ligonier Conference.
Good ..
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[…] I think Christians and non-Christians alike should all read The Transforming Power of the Gospel by Jerry Bridges. Its about how the Gospel transforms us. For nonbelievers I also recommend A Tale of Two Sons by John F. MacArthur Jr. […]
I’ve made my decision based upon your review: I’m ordering it!
Love MacArthur. May God continue to anoint and use him to silence all evil.