The Father's Love
Read Luke 15:11-32
Have you ever read something and thought maybe the story could have a better title? I’ve seen lots of people on social media do that with all the Star Wars movies. They keep the same titles, only they rearrange them to better fit each movies’ content. It’s funny and it works, win/win.
One of the most familiar stories in all of the Bible feels the same way for me, the Parable of The Prodigal Son. There are several variations, but the titles all typically focus on the one son who left his father to pursue life on his own terms. In some ways, I believe these titles miss the deeper significance of the parable. Jesus told it to show us how the Kingdom of God works.
The parable centers around the amazing, freely-offered love of the Father. His love allows each of his sons to pursue life in their own way. His love offers both sons access to their inheritance. One leaves; one stays. One acts irresponsibly; one works diligently. One realizes his predicament; one doesn’t know he’s in one. One humbly bows; one stands defiant and self-righteous. The Father ran out to both sons. Both are invited to the celebration. Neither are deserving. One receives; one rejects. Both are loved by the Father. Only one truly understands. This is the Kingdom of God.
All, like sheep, have gone astray, each turning to his own way. There is none righteous, no, not one. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
One of the most familiar stories in all of the Bible feels the same way for me, the Parable of The Prodigal Son. There are several variations, but the titles all typically focus on the one son who left his father to pursue life on his own terms. In some ways, I believe these titles miss the deeper significance of the parable. Jesus told it to show us how the Kingdom of God works.
The parable centers around the amazing, freely-offered love of the Father. His love allows each of his sons to pursue life in their own way. His love offers both sons access to their inheritance. One leaves; one stays. One acts irresponsibly; one works diligently. One realizes his predicament; one doesn’t know he’s in one. One humbly bows; one stands defiant and self-righteous. The Father ran out to both sons. Both are invited to the celebration. Neither are deserving. One receives; one rejects. Both are loved by the Father. Only one truly understands. This is the Kingdom of God.
All, like sheep, have gone astray, each turning to his own way. There is none righteous, no, not one. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
__________________________
He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
-John 1:10-12 (NLT)
-John 1:10-12 (NLT)
__________________________
No matter what you’ve done, your sin isn’t bad enough to keep you out, but your righteousness isn’t good enough to get you in. Son, the Father offers love and life to you. Receive it the only way you can, through humble surrender.
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