Chapter 2 · Encounter 21 of 48
The Father Who Welcomes
Prepare
Jesus tells a story about a son who leaves his father, squanders his inheritance, and eventually decides to return home. But the story is about more than the son's failure or his decision to come back.
As you read, pay particular attention to the father. Notice what he does, how he responds to his son's return, and what his actions reveal about the relationship he desires.
Read Scripture
Open each passage here without leaving this Encounter.
Luke 15:11-24
The Parable of the Lost Son
11Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
13“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
Ponder
- What does the younger son expect when he decides to return home? Compare his expectations with the father's response. What do the differences reveal about the father's character and his desire for their relationship?
- The father doesn't simply permit his son to return. He runs to meet him, embraces him, and celebrates. What does this reveal about the way God regards repentant sinners? How might it challenge the way you imagine God responding when you turn back toward him?
Look Again
Did you notice that the son prepares a speech asking to be treated as a hired servant (vv. 18–19)?
When he finally returns, he begins his confession, but the father responds by ordering a robe, ring, sandals, and a feast.
Return to verses 20–24. Notice that the father doesn't merely offer the son a place to work. He restores him to the family.
What does this reveal about the kind of reconciliation the Father desires?
Practice
Consider whether there is an area of your life where you have been reluctant to approach God because of failure, shame, or a sense that you must first make yourself worthy.
Return to Luke 15:20–24 20So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.Luke 15:20-24
Prayer
Speak honestly with God about where you have wandered or resisted his love. Thank him for the mercy he extends to repentant sinners. Ask him to deepen your confidence in his desire to restore relationship rather than leave you at a distance.