Opus 2013-126: Key Scriptures: The Prodigal Son, the first part of the parable.

Most of us are familiar with the parable of the prodigal son.  The father had two sons that he loved.  He treated them differently. 

He allowed the younger son to take his inheritance and go off on his own.  He knew the son.  Just the fact that he wanted his share, now, let the father know that he would waste it.  Yet he gave it to him.  And waste it he did.  Finally, starving and destitute he made his way home hoping to be let in the house.  Jesus continues the story,

(Luke 15:20 KJV)  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.

Why did the father seem to be watching for him to return?  Did the father know the boy would be a failure and expect him to return in defeat?  If he knew that, why did he let him go in the first place. 

As a wise father he knew that the boy had lessons to learn.  He knew, or hoped, the boy would be coming back in repentance.  He couldn’t be sure but felt the risk was necessary.  How overjoyed he must have been when he saw the boy coming.  And when he heard the words from the boys mouth he knew the gamble had been worth it.

(Luke 15:21 KJV)  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.

So they had a party and welcomed him back.

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