"He was still a long way from home when his father saw him; his heart was filled with pity, and he ran, threw his arms round his son, and kissed him. Luke 15:20b, GNT

 

This story usually comes under the heading of “the parable about the lost son”. In Luke 15:24, the father calls him his lost son, but I have never been completely satisfied with this heading for the parable. To me, this story is about a lot more than a lost son. I like a heading I have seen somewhere else – "A father and his two sons". In the parable, we read about three people and how they behaved, and all three play an essential part in the story.

 

First, we have the youngest son. He was a rake and a spendthrift who wasted the inheritance that he received far too early in his life. It was only when he landed up amongst the pigs that he remembered how well he was treated at his father’s house.

 

The elder brother is an entirely different kind of person, someone for whom one can have some sympathy. He was very angry when he learnt that his runaway brother was given preferential treatment again, so he did not want to join the festivities. His whole life, he worked hard in his father’s service and never even received a goat to have a feast with his friends.

 

Both brothers are so typically human, but the father thinks and acts completely differently: bring him some beautiful clothes, bring a ring, bring sandals and slaughter the prize calf. To the elder brother who was standing around with a sour face, he said: “'My son,' ... 'you are always here with me, and everything I have is yours.” (Luke 15:31) The father loved them both, despite their behaviour.

 

God our Father also loves us, despite who we are or what we do.

 

Prayer: How can we ever give enough thanks to you, Lord, who as our Father does not make any distinction in your love for your children. It is a privilege to be your child. Amen