What lessons can we learn about forgiveness from the father's actions? The Father’s Heart on Display - Jesus opens the parable: “There was a man who had two sons” (Luke 15:11). Right away we are shown a father who represents the Lord Himself. - The father’s response to his wayward son is the clearest earthly picture Jesus gives of God’s forgiveness—costly to the father, free to the child. Key Observations from Luke 15:11–24 - The son’s demand was a personal insult • “Father, give me my share of the estate” (v. 12). In that culture, he was treating his father as good as dead. - The father permitted the rebellion • He “divided his property between them” (v. 12). True love does not coerce obedience. - The father watched and waited • When the son “was still a long way off, his father saw him” (v. 20). The only way to see someone far away is to be looking for him. - The father ran to the son • He “was moved with compassion; he ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him” (v. 20). Middle-Eastern patriarchs did not run; this is extravagant grace overriding dignity. - The father interrupted the confession • The son begins, “Father, I have sinned…” (v. 21). Before he can finish, the father calls for the robe, ring, and sandals—symbols of full sonship restored. - The father absorbed the cost • The fattened calf was the community’s feast, and the remaining inheritance would now shrink for the elder brother. Forgiveness always costs the forgiver. Practical Lessons for Our Lives 1. Forgiveness initiates. • Don’t wait for perfect apologies; move first, as God did (Romans 5:8). 2. Forgiveness is compassionate, not grudging. • “Moved with compassion” (Luke 15:20) mirrors Psalm 103:13—“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him”. 3. Forgiveness restores identity. • The robe, ring, and sandals tell the son, “You’re not a servant; you’re family.” In Christ we are likewise clothed (Galatians 3:27). 4. Forgiveness rejoices. • “Let us celebrate” (v. 23). Genuine pardon produces joy, not reluctance. 5. Forgiveness keeps no record of wrongs. • The father never re-hashes the squandered wealth; he looks forward (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:5). 6. Forgiveness bridges broken relationships. • Vertical—our reconciliation with God; horizontal—our call to “forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). Supporting Passages That Echo the Same Grace - Isaiah 55:7—“He will abundantly pardon.” - Micah 7:18-19—God “delights in loving devotion” and casts sins “into the depths of the sea.” - Ephesians 2:4-5—God, “rich in mercy,” made us alive with Christ. - 1 John 1:9—He is “faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” - Ephesians 4:32—“Be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.” A Final Encouragement The father’s embrace in Luke 15 is not a sentimental tale; it is a mirror of the gospel. If the Lord has welcomed us with such complete, restoring love, we can extend the same forgiveness—initiating, compassionate, joyful, and costly—to everyone who has wronged us. |
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