Read: Luke 15:20-24
Jesus tells a story of a man who had two sons. The older one was faithful and served his father and their family business well, but the younger one wanted more. He asked his dad for his inheritance, then took off and wasted his money. We see in verse 19 that the son “comes to his senses” and is willing to head home and accept responsibility for being reckless, but he did not expect his father’s reaction to his return.
The heart of the parable is the father’s love – unconditional, gracious, and rejoicing in the return of his lost son. This love mirrors God’s love for us, which celebrates each step we take toward home, regardless of how far we have strayed. A loving father always wants what is best for their child. No matter the battle, the struggle, or the rebellion, the heart of a good dad will desire restoration for their child.
This parable reminds us that we are all prodigals in some way, searching for fulfillment and often looking in the wrong places. Yet, our Father awaits our return, not with judgment but joy. No matter how far we roam, the way back home is always open, leading to a place of forgiveness, restoration, and unconditional love. We usually refer to this story in Luke 15 as “The Parable of the Prodigal Son.” But when we focus on the story from the dad’s side, we realize that it is also “The Parable of the Forgiving Father.”
Questions for Reflection:
- How have you experienced the Father’s love in your life?
- In what ways has He shown you grace and acceptance?
- In what ways do you relate to one of the characters in this story?