What lessons can parents learn from the father's response in Luke 15:12? Setting the Scene “ ‘So he divided his property between them.’ ” (Luke 15:12) With one concise statement the Lord Jesus reveals a father who allows a demanding, immature son to walk away with a sizable portion of the family wealth. The verse invites careful reflection on parental attitudes and actions. Key Observations from the Verse • The request is abrupt and self-centered. • The father does not argue, shame, or coerce. • He responds by granting the request immediately. • The text records no bitterness, sarcasm, or conditions from the father. • The inheritance is given “between them,” indicating equal treatment of both sons. Lessons for Parents • Freedom grounded in trust – The father releases control, acknowledging his son’s responsibility for his own choices (Galatians 6:5). – True love permits freedom, even the freedom to fail (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). • Respect for individual will – The father honors the son’s volition without resorting to manipulation (Joshua 24:15 affirms that godly authority still respects personal choice). – Parents can model the Lord’s approach, who invites rather than forces obedience (Revelation 3:20). • Confident reliance on prior training – By letting the son go, the father demonstrates confidence that earlier instruction will bear fruit in time (Proverbs 22:6). – Ephesians 6:4 urges fathers to provide nurture and admonition; after that, children must act on what they know. • Steadfast love under pressure – No sign of rejection or disowning appears. Love remains intact despite grave disappointment (Jeremiah 31:3). – Such steadfast affection lays a foundation for restoration when the child repents. • Discernment over impulsive control – The father chooses measured, gracious action rather than a knee-jerk reaction (James 1:19-20). – He treats the property as already belonging to the sons, mirroring God’s generosity toward His children (Romans 8:32). • Vision for the long game – Immediate loss of resources is less important than the future recovery of the son’s heart (2 Peter 3:9 highlights the Lord’s patience). – Parents can hold a redemptive outlook, valuing eternal outcomes above temporary setbacks. Practical Applications • Cultivate a home environment where dialogue remains open, even when requests are difficult to hear. • Allow adult or near-adult children to experience the consequences of their decisions while keeping relational doors wide open. • Maintain consistency between words and attitudes; avoid silent resentment that contradicts spoken love. • Pray for wisdom daily (James 1:5), trusting that God works through parental faithfulness even when children wander. Encouraging Perspective Luke 15:12 portrays a father secure enough in God’s sovereignty to let go. His example assures parents that releasing control, while painful, can become the very means God uses to draw prodigal hearts home. |
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