The Prodigal Son
Luke 15:20-24 (WEB)
“He arose, and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat, and celebrate; for this, my son, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.’ They began to celebrate.
Reflection
A father runs to welcome home the son who left. This is one of the most loved passages in Scripture, and it still speaks powerfully to the theme of grace. Grace is the father running. In the culture of the story, a grown man did not run — yet this father lifts his robes and sprints toward a son who wasted everything. That is the heart of God toward every person who turns home: no lecture, no probation, only welcome. Have you been keeping your distance from God, assuming you must clean yourself up first? Come as you are. And if someone has wronged you, consider whether grace — undeserved welcome — might be the braver, more Christlike response than keeping score. Read Luke 15:20-24 again slowly, and let it shape how you live today — in your family, your work, and your church community. A prayer: Father, thank you that you run to meet me. Help me stop earning what you freely give, and make me as generous with grace toward others as you have been with me. Amen.