The Parable Of A Loving Father
THE PARABLE OF A LOVING FATHER
In 15:11-32 we have the parable of a loving father. If we read carefully the parable of the lov ing father, we shall see that while the prodigal son was still squandering the father's riches, the father was waiting for him to come back. When the son came to himself and decided to go to his father, he prepared what he would say to him: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired servants" (vv. 18-19).
This indicates that the prodigal son did not know the father's love. A fallen sinner having once repented always thinks of working for God or serving God to obtain His favor, not knowing that this thought is against God's love and grace and is an insult to His heart and intent.
To the prodigal son's great surprise, "While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion; and he ran and fell on his neck and kissed him affectionately" (v. 20). The father's seeing the son did not hap pen by chance. Rather, the father went out of the home to look for his prodigal's return.