What about the parable of the workers who were told they would get paid a certain amount for working a day in the field. Then, close to the end of the workday, another one shows up and he gets paid the same amount as others who worked there the entire day!
And what about king Solomon? Or his father David? Or the man who out of gratitude of God offers God the first thing he sees when he gets home and it turns out to be his beloved daughter. And God kills this man's daughter! Or Job? Job's reward is a new family and new cattle, like you can replace your loved ones...But he had mercy on Abraham for his faith...give me a break. It makes my skin itch.
Might there not be degrees of rewards on God's part?
Where? On earth or in the "afterlife?" Well, for sure it's not here on earth, for god rewards the righteous and the unrighteous, an his sun shines on both. But the Bible tells you not to worry if you get the shaft in this life, you will be like that beggar Lazarus, in "Abraham's bosom," while all the fat cats who did you wrong will be burning...unless they repent, of course at the last moment. Then it's just tough luck for you.
I don’t know about your analysis here, Kosta. The loyal/faithful son is still gets all that his father has. The Prodigal has squandered his inheritance and only gets the basic welcome back feast and his father’s love, but nothing else.
If it is a metaphor for heaven it sounds like one of degrees, not equality. Go read it again and tell me what it says in the Greek, OK?