1. He ran to his son... and kissed him (11-24)

Jesus' third parable concerns a father with two sons. The younger son demanded his inheritance before his father's death, left his father, and wasted all he had on wild living. When he hit rock-bottom, he came to his senses, remembered his father, and returned with a contrite heart. His father saw him from far off, ran to him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. He covered his son's shame, restored his position, and celebrated his return. Nothing else mattered once his son was back. God sees each sinner who repents like this: He was dead, and is alive again; he was lost and is found.

2. 'Everything I have is yours' (25-32)

In contrast, the older brother had been obedient but did not know his father's heart. He felt it was unjust that he was not recognized for all his work. The father explained: 'You are always with me, and everything I have is yours.' This was the moment for the older son to come to his senses, realize how blessed he was, and share his father's heart. The parable is left open, with no ending, leaving us to decide how we will respond to Jesus' parable.


Application: Father, thank you for your unconditional love. Help me humbly come to you today.
One Word: Come to our senses