The Father

In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the young son was selfish, entitled, and discontent. He demanded his inheritance from his father, left home, and wasted everything he had with reckless abandon. He was humiliated, but through his "rock bottom", he saw that he had sinned against his father.

Upon the return of his son, we see the father's love play out; each action drawing a parallel to the love God has for us!

1. The father saw his son coming home from afar - Before the foundation of the world, God sought us out!

2. The father runs to his son - It is God who seeks us out, we are incapable of seeking God.

3. The father hugs and kisses his son in celebration - Despite everything we've done, God loves us.

4. The father doesn't admonish the boy; the father welcomes his son with open arms - God foreknew everything and He chose to save us anyway.

5. The father put a robe, ring, and sandals on his son - We are no longer slaves to sin; we are accepted in the family of Christ!

6. The father sacrifices his most prized calf - God sent His only son to take our place, to pour out His blood for the remission of our sins!