The Parable of the Loving FatherSample

Welcomed by the father

“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)

The youngest son must have been dreading to face his father. But what a relief: his father is already on the lookout! Defying all cultural conventions, this father runs down the road to embrace his son. The son barely gets a chance to utter his rehearsed apology. The father does not elaborate on that. He does not start a conversation about all that has gone wrong. No, the father is merely appalled. His son, whom he seemed to have lost forever, has returned!

The father immediately issues orders to put on a big party and take good care of the son. In doing so, he makes it clear that the apology is accepted and the boy is fully accepted again as a son.

What a beautiful picture Jesus paints here of God's attitude toward sinners. For that is the application He makes to this series of parables, “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10) God's response to sinners who return to Him is defined by “compassion.” Like a loving father, He welcomes those who have messed up badly.

Do you dare to trust that God gives you that same warm welcome?