A Shocking LoveSample

The Lost Son

In today’s Scripture reading, Jesus tells one of his most widely-known parables: the Lost Son. This story cracks open a door to give us a glimpse of a father's unconditional love in response to the ungrateful waywardness of his son.

It might be familiar to you. A father has two sons. The younger one shockingly asks for his share of the inheritance, which basically communicates, “Dad, I wish you were dead. Can I get my cut now and get on with my life?” 

The father grants his son’s request, divides up his estate, and gives the younger son his share. The young man leaves his family, goes to a distant land, and blows his entire inheritance by living a 'wild' life. 

When he hits rock bottom, the son realizes that even the lowest-paid workers on his father’s property have food to eat, so he decides to go back and beg to be hired. 

This parable parallels the history of the Jewish people, and in fact, all mankind. God’s favor has been set on humankind, who uniquely holds the special designation of being made in the image of God: Imago Dei. This God-given identity is squandered when we take His generous blessing and use it for our own purposes and cravings. Just like the Lost Son, we set off for distant lands seeking power, pleasure, and significance in anything but our relationship with the Father. 

Even in his return to the father, the son believes the lie- that he has forfeited his place in his father’s home forever. Then, he convinces himself that he might earn enough favor to be a hired hand on his dad’s property. What he doesn’t realize is that his behavior does not determine his value. The single factor that establishes his worth is his father’s love for him, and because that love remains intact, so does his inherent value as a son. 

Reflection: Are you more focused on fulfilling your own desires rather than God’s purposes for your life? In what ways are you, like the Lost Son, rehearsing apology speeches so that you can earn your place back into a relationship with God?

Prayer: "Father, help me to identify areas of independence when it comes to my relationship with You. Forgive me for trying to find satisfaction and significance apart from You. Thank You for Your patient, steady love that is not shaken by my insecurities, wanderings, or failures."