Pictures from the Prodigal: God the Father

There are many pictures which can be seen in the Bible. In the past, one particular picture found in the prodigal has been examined. A great picture of sin and what it can do to an individual is found within. There are two more pictures found within the parable which should be discussed. The focus of this article is to focus on the father which is found within the parable. “And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry” (Luke 15:17-24). The example of the prodigal’s father gives us some insight into the God which we serve.

The Father was Underestimated (v. 17-19).

The prodigal son came to the realization that he was in a sad condition. He was feeding pigs that were honestly eating better than he was. He was poor, hungry, and as far down as he could be. There are two things which the prodigal son could have done. He could have continued in the far off country and hoped that things would have turned around for him. The problem with this course of action is the great possibility that things would not change for him. The other option was that he could return home to his father. This is the same for once faithful Christians who find themselves wallowing in sin. That person can continue in sin and hope for the best. That person could come to back to the Father in the hopes that God will take them back.

The Prodigal Felt Unworthy. This young man came to realize the situation he was in. Here he was starving to death while the servants of his father were given more than enough food. He formed a plan of what he would do. He would return home and beg for forgiveness from his father. “I have sinned against heaven and you!” But he felt unworthy to be called the by name “son” so he prepared himself to be called by the name “servant.” This showed a number of things on the part of this son.

·         He showed great humility be realizing the error of his ways and wanting to make things right.

·         He showed great love for his father’s house by wishing to return to those who he knew loved him.

·         He showed great confidence in his father. “He won’t reject me. He’ll take me back even if I am his servant instead of his son.”

But He Underestimated His Father’s Love. He felt that he was unworthy of being called “son.” Since he felt unworthy, he naturally assumed that his father would feel that he was unworthy to have such a moniker. He thought that he would only be worthy to be called a servant. He never expected the reception which he received.

Do We Underestimate the Love of God? People often feel unworthy of the Father’s affection because of actions which they have committed in their lives. “You just do not know the things I have done in my life.” “If you knew what I’ve done you’d realize that I am not worthy for forgiveness.” Understand this author well. God does have expectations for us. He does want His people to live a certain type of life. For instance, this young man realized his mistake and wanted to repent by returning to the father. The same is expected for us. Think of when David said: “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” (Psalm 119:59-60). The Hebrews writer said: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).