Scripture Daily

Context No. 2369 of 4322 · Luke

Context · Reflection

Luke 15:20-24: in context

20“He arose and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I 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. Put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let’s eat and celebrate; 24for this, my son, was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found.’ Then they began to celebrate.

This is the turn of the parable of the prodigal son. The younger son, who had demanded his inheritance and squandered it, comes home rehearsing a confession. But while he is still far off, the father sees him, is moved with compassion, runs, falls on his neck, and kisses him. Before the speech is finished, the father is calling for a robe, a ring, sandals, and the fattened calf.

What stands out is that the father runs, and that he sees the son while he is still far off, meaning he was watching the road. The son had prepared to bargain his way back down to hired-servant status; the father will not even let him finish the pitch before restoring him fully as a son. Grace here does not wait at the door with arms folded to hear the apology out. It runs down the road to meet the first sign of return. This is the picture Jesus paints of how God receives the one who comes back.

Do I imagine God waiting to be talked into forgiving me, when the story shows him already running to meet me?

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