What three prerequisites did a rich uncle need in order to bail out his young nephew?
Three requirements had to be met: possession of the funds and ability, status as the next of kin, and willingness to act. A stranger could not qualify, and no one is obligated to help unless he chooses to, so willingness was essential.
Les explains that a rich uncle needed three prerequisites to bail the young man out. First, he had to have the funds; he had to be able. Second, he had to be the next of kin—a stranger could not do it. Third, he had to be willing, because nobody has to do anything if they do not want to; if he disliked the nephew, he could refuse. If he had the funds, wanted to, and was next of kin, he could pay off the mortgage. That picture leads to Jesus coming before God the Father, with the question of who can pay this mortgage. In verse 6, the Lamb stands as slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, depicting political power and the seven spirits, the seven attributes of the Holy Spirit, the seven eyes being the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.