EXPLORE IT! - Luke 15:17-22

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.”

-- Luke 15:17-22

It’s a big deal that the father runs to his son in this parable. In the culture of Jesus day (an eastern culture, mind you), you would never see a father running. It would be seen by the culture as out of place or even undignified. This is especially true in the case of the father in this parable who goes out and runs towards his wicked and rebellious son.

Children must honor their parents. The son must come to the father – not the other way around.

And yet the father doesn’t wait for his son to arrive. He doesn’t even wait for his son to say he’s sorry and repentant.

The text says that while his son was still a long way off, the father ran out to meet him and embraced him and kissed him. His friends and neighbors were probably embarrassed on behalf of the father for acting without shame and welcoming his son. Indeed, his other son was certainly embarrassed – even angry.

But the father doesn’t care. He openly welcomes his lost son back and shares a feast with him.

This is just like Jesus. Remember how this chapter started? Jesus openly welcomed tax collectors “sinners” and he ate with them.

The Pharisees are like the older brother in the parable, who got angry that the father forgave his sinful son.

And just like the father in the story, Jesus comes to the defense of the sinner.