The ProdigalSample

The Younger Brother

Look closely at the younger son in the painting. What details do you notice about him, the man on his knees?

Ragged, filthy clothes. Shoes that are worn out from so much walking. A dirty foot. A bald head.

And: he’s being hugged by his father.

Put yourself in his place for a moment—in all the filth and fatigue—and imagine what he is feeling.

Not long before this scene, the young man had been in a faraway country where he was so hungry that he just wanted to eat pig food. As he stared at the slop, he finally realized that he had messed up. Messed up big time.

So he started the long journey home, practicing his apology every step of the way.

Now he’s home, and his dad is embracing him. 

A hug is not what he expected. It's certainly not what he deserved.

His dad had every right to turn him away. After all, he’d blown his dad’s money on all kinds of terrible things. Yet his dad chose to give him a hug, despite the dirt and the smell. 

The son had to be both surprised and confused. What kind of a dad does that? What kind of dad throws a party instead of sending his rebellious child away? What kind of a dad never gives up on his child?

As he allowed himself to be wrapped up in that hug, the son realized that his dad just wanted him to come home.

He knew he was loved by his father, no matter what.

REFLECTION

How are you like the son in the story? How have you been surprised by God's love for you?

DISCUSSION

Why is it sometimes hard to believe that God loves us like this father loved his son?