Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. -Luke 15:31
Where there is love there is life. -Mahatma Gandhi
One of the most profound stories Jesus told was about two sons—one who ran away and one who stayed behind. Many call it the Parable of the Prodigal Son, but the real focus isn’t just on the lost son—it’s on the father, whose love breaks every expectation. This story unveils the true heart of God, not only toward those who wander but also toward those who remain but fail to embrace the fullness of His love and grace.
A Father’s Love That Knows No Bounds
In an act that would have been seen as outrageous in Jewish culture, the younger son demands his inheritance while his father is still alive. Essentially, he is saying, “I wish you were dead—just give me my share now.” Despite the deep insult, the father grants his request. No arguments. No reprimands. Just an open hand.
This tells us something incredible about God’s character. He does not force us into obedience. He allows us to make our own choices, even when they lead us down painful paths. The younger son viewed his father as restrictive instead of loving. He believed real freedom and fulfillment were out there, away from his father’s presence.
The Illusion of Freedom
With money in hand, the younger son sets off for a far country. He wastes his wealth on reckless living, throwing it away to build an image, to fit in, and to experience fleeting pleasure. The word squandered literally means to scatter—to throw away without thought.
As soon as his money runs out, his so-called friends disappear. Left alone, starving, and desperate, he ends up working in the most humiliating position imaginable for a Jewish man—feeding pigs. He is so hungry that even the food meant for the pigs looks appealing.
It’s often in our lowest moments that we begin to see clearly. The younger son “came to himself.” He realized that his father was not the harsh, controlling man he had imagined, but a provider. Even his father’s servants had more than enough. He decided to return home—not as a son, but as a servant—believing he had forfeited his place in the family.
How often do we fall into the same trap? We assume our failures have changed God’s heart toward us. We believe we must earn our way back, prove our sincerity, and work to regain favor. But the next part of the story shatters that misconception entirely.
The Father Who Runs
The son prepares his apology, expecting judgment and rejection. But before he even reaches home, his father sees him from a distance.
And what does the father do? He runs.
In that culture, dignified men did not run. It was considered undignified and beneath them. But this father doesn’t care about appearances—he throws aside social expectations because his love is greater than cultural dignity. He runs to his son, embraces him, and kisses him before a single word of repentance is spoken.
The son begins his rehearsed speech, but the father doesn’t even let him finish. Instead, he calls for the best robe, a ring, and sandals—signs of full restoration as a son, not a servant. Then, he commands a feast.
“For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” (Luke 15:24)
This is who God is. He is not waiting for you to clean yourself up before He embraces you. He meets you in your mess, wraps His arms around you, and calls for a celebration.
The Older Son: Lost in a Different Way
While the younger son was lost in rebellion, the older son was lost in resentment. He had stayed home, worked hard, followed the rules—and now, he was furious that his reckless brother was being celebrated.
His words reveal his heart:
“Look! These many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat that I might celebrate with my friends.” (Luke 15:29)
The older son viewed his relationship with his father as a contract—work hard, follow the rules, and get rewarded. Now, he felt cheated. He had done everything “right,” and yet the one who had done everything wrong was getting celebrated.
How often do we struggle with this same mindset? We look at others who receive God’s grace and silently ask, “What about me? Haven’t I been faithful? Haven’t I done enough?”
The father’s response is stunning:
“Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” (Luke 15:31)
The older son had access to everything his father owned, yet he lived as if he were just a servant. He had obedience but no joy. He had the father’s house but didn’t share his father’s heart.
Are You the Prodigal or the Party Pooper?
Some of us have been the younger son—running, rebelling, hitting rock bottom, and fearing that God has given up on us. But He hasn’t. He’s watching for you, running toward you, ready to celebrate your return.
Some of us have been the older son—doing everything “right” but missing the joy of God’s presence. We’ve served, obeyed, and worked hard, but we’ve allowed resentment to build because we’ve misunderstood what it means to be a child of God.
The Invitation to Join the Celebration
At the end of the story, the younger son is inside enjoying the party, while the older son is outside, refusing to join. The father goes out to plead with him, just as he ran to the younger son. But the story never tells us if the older son went in.
Why? Because that’s the decision each of us must make.
God isn’t just inviting rebels to return—He’s inviting the self-righteous to rejoice. He’s calling everyone, prodigals and party poopers alike, to step into the fullness of His love. The question is, will we?
The kingdom of God is a party, a celebration. The Father is throwing a feast. Will you come in and join the party?
Want to know more? See D. Scott Cook’s book Alignment Of Authentic Love: Living Your Highest Life.