The ProdigalSample

The Father

This story is often called “The Prodigal Son,” but the central figure in the story and the painting isn’t the son. It’s the father.

Look at how the light calls attention to his face. His red robe covers his shoulders and almost seems to be providing shelter to his son as well. His hands look like they are placed gently on his son’s back.

What do you see when you look at the father’s face?

Kindness. Compassion. Love.

Let’s step into one more pair of shoes. This time, let’s imagine the scene from the father’s perspective.

He allowed his son to take off on this crazy adventure, but from the moment his son left, the father never stopped hoping he would turn around and come home.

As he waited, the father scanned the horizon, hoping that each day would be the day his son would come home. We know he was searching because he spotted his son while he was still a long way off.

He doesn’t let his son finish his speech because all that matters now is that his precious boy is home where he belongs.

“For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”

What does a father do when his long-lost son finally comes home? He hugs him. He gives him what he needs. He throws him a party.

The father in the parable points us to what is true about our heavenly Father. Because he loves us, he allows us to make choices, even bad ones. Because he loves us, he is always waiting for us to come to our senses and come home.

When we finally turn around, our heavenly Father is waiting with his arms wide open, because he loves us more than we can possibly imagine.

REFLECTION

If the father is a reflection of God, how would you describe God after reading this story?

DISCUSSION

What would it look like for you to turn around and come home to God?

Explore other resources from Young Life Discipleship including more Bible A pp reading plans.