Then the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his slaves, "Quickly … get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate, for this son of mine was dead and is alive again …" (vv. 21-23)
ALIVE IN GRACE
The son realizes the error of his ways after squandering his wealth. He returns home, feeling that he does not deserve to be called a son. Immediately, the father makes it clear to everyone that the young man is, indeed, recognized as the lost son. The son’s return is cause for celebration. The father does not request the preparation of a simple meal of welcome. Instead, there will be a huge feast.
Why does the father so swiftly accept the son’s apology? First, anyone whose child has been missing, even for a few minutes, can identify with the father’s relief at seeing his son again. But there is more here. I believe it is a combination of the son’s humility and his recognition of his sin. His father accepts him warts and all because he still loves the son, regardless of his actions. The father sees that the son was dead in sin but is now alive again.
So are we. And not because of our actions, even those of humility. As we know, we are no longer dead in sin simply because of Christ’s sacrifice in our place. And we, like the prodigal son, will celebrate eternally with the Father!
Dear God, thank you for being a father even more loving than the father in this story. We are so grateful our salvation does not depend on our humility or worthiness, but on your love and grace.
Eunice Doman Myers, Ph.D
