I think the father was pursuing a dream. He built a good life with whatever his business was – and not just for himself. I think his dream was to be close to his sons. They would slowly take over the business, perhaps. They were the apple of his eye – what could be better than getting to be with them? I love being with my kids. I love seeing through their eyes. I love seeing them grow into the weird mix of me, my wife, and God. Especially since we know the father in the story is God, we know he was therefore good and loving. Imagine what kind of environment that would have been! We don’t need to spend much time adding details, however, because there is plenty of love within the text we have. Consider the following statements of love expressed from a dad to his kids. As you do, place yourself within the story. For this is your father, too.
He loved his youngest son…
· He gave an early inheritance to the younger son. It would have been easy to become angry, offended, and deeply hurt. The father honored the decision of his son, though we can be sure he would not have agreed with the decisions that followed.
· He kept watch for the younger son's return. This is not the action of a man who has written off his son, but a father longing to see his child’s face again.
· He ran to meet the younger son when he returned. Older, stately men in those days in that region did not run. We see that the father’s joy cannot be contained.
· He rejected the younger son's offer to be dead. When the son asked for his share of the inheritance, it could have been taken as a statement wishing his father was dead (which is why the father’s response is so remarkable). When the son asks to be a hired man, he is basically saying to his father that his younger son (himself) was dead – only this willing worker remains. His father wouldn’t hear of it.
· He adorned him with a fine robe and put the signet ring on his finger. Not only did he reject his sons offer to be considered dead, but he reinstated him sully, giving him power over his estate once more.
· He killed the fattened calf for a village-wide celebration. A DJ and full bar can be assumed. This was a once-in-a-lifetime event for those villagers. Dad cashed in some CD’s to pay for this baby.
· He went out to meet his elder son when he was throwing a fit. This shows love toward both sons, and honored the elder even though his behavior certainly did not warrant such respect.
· He listened to him with grace-filled ears. The elder son was in a rage, and said things he probably never would have otherwise. He dishonored his father with his tone, his choice of words, and with his decision to stay outside. The father didn’t react with similar passion. He let his son vent. He listened.
· He communicated the fullness of his love and truth to him. The elder son was not reprimanded, but encouraged to see things from a different vantage point. The father’s tone was redemptive, not destructive. He spoke truth to his son, and reminded him of his fatherly goal – to be near his son – the greatest gift a parent longs for.
· He left the door open for him to join the party. The invitation lingered in the air. Had he ordered his son to join in, he probably would have, but for the wrong reasons. He reframed the entire event, and left the son with the question: do I join my father at the party or do I stay out in the dark and cold night?
God is the father in the story. This is how the father feels and behaves toward all of his kids, no matter what they do with their inheritance.
I think it’s important to recognize who the father is in this story, because it helps draw attention to how off the mark both sons were. And how gracious this father was in response.
The Father hasn’t changed.
The father’s goal has always been to have a growing, healthy relationship with his kids. The father knows this will bless him, his kids, and everyone any of them touch.
How has your image of the father changed over the years? How has your life experience distorted your understanding of the character of God? Why do we behave like the sons in the parable, considering our father is the same as theirs? In light of this story, will you begin to trust that Jesus’ depiction of the father is more accurate than the one you have crafted? How have you experienced the Father’s love?
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