The Loving Father

Luke 15:20-24

The second major player in the parable of the prodigal son is the father. From him we learn a lot about dealing with those who have gone their own way. The first thing we see is that he did not withhold what was due his son. He didn’t hold back or attempt to coerce his son. He allowed him to make his own decision.

He also didn’t chase after his son in an effort to get him to come back. He honored the son’s decision. Along with that, he didn’t enable his son to stay in sin by sending money when he got into trouble. He allowed him to suffer the consequences of his actions. Probably the worst thing a parent can do to a child who gets into trouble is to bail him out. Only by learning what it costs will he learn to avoid the situation.

Some parents deliberately set their children up to fail if they do not obey. When the child learns about it, they will resent being manipulated. They need to be treated just as one would treat anyone else so they can learn the cost of their actions. If they are doing something that you would report to the police if another did it, they need to know you will report them, but they also need to know that you are treating them fairly. They also need to know that you will not allow them to manipulate you. Only then will they make mature decisions.

When the young man realized where he had gotten, he realized continuing would eventually destroy him. At that point, he decided to change his behavior. The father had been watching for his return.

“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)

The father had never given up hope. He was eagerly awaiting the first sign of repentance. He didn’t wait until his son got straightened out to go to him, but met him half way. In dealing with others, we need to learn not to try to chase them down, but to be willing to meet them as soon as they show real evidence of wanting change. God doesn’t make us wait until we are straightened out before saving us.

“And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” (Luke 15:21)

No change of attitude will be made until a person genuinely acknowledges their own part in what has happened. Too often we try to help people that blame others for their plight. Human nature does not want to accept responsibility because we don’t like to make changes. While the parents may have been abusive or domineering, the child doesn’t have to keep a bad attitude when he leaves home. If he does, it is his choice, and it will not change until he decides to change it.

When pride is swallowed and responsibility is taken forgiveness is instantly available. I John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Verse 8, on the other hand warns, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” We are not being honest with ourselves, and in fact call God a liar, as verse 10 tells us. “If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” In such a case, forgiveness is meaningless.

Because he acknowledged his guilt, the father was able to restore him as his son with no lingering reservations. He receives all the privileges of a son instantly, with no further action on his part.

“But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15:22-24)

Like the shepherd who found the lost sheep or the woman who found the lost coin, there is great rejoicing that the son has returned safely. I can only imagine the celebration.