Luke 15:20-24

There is hope for those of us who have strayed to confess our sins, admit our unworthiness and return to Him. His compassions and mercies never fail. The smallest ember He will not put out nor will He turn away a heart broken by sin......His true love conquers all! 

The description of the father’s compassion in running to his son and kissing him illustrates the immediate acceptance of a sinner who turns to God. Despite his awareness of being accepted by his father, the son continued his confession of his sin. He then asked to become one of his father’s servants. Similarly, a sinner realizes that he or she brings nothing to and deserves nothing from God, but must rely completely on God’s mercy. The father accepted his son’s confession but refused his request to make him a servant. Instead the returning son was made a full member of the family again. 

Such a transformation is a reason to celebrate. It is also the reason Jesus chose to associate with the lost.

Luke 15:20-24

²⁰ “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. ²¹ And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 

²² “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. ²³ And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; ²⁴ for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.