Most of us are familiar with the story of the Prodigal Son, also referred to as The Lost Son. What we may not realize is that the father referenced in the story had to go out to meet both of his sons: the returning son who had wasted his inheritance, and the older son who had stayed home. The Father had to go out to meet both of his sons because their choices had created a distance between them and their father.

In the instance of the returning son, “And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).

Regarding the older brother who was offended that a party was being thrown for his younger brother, “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him” (vs. 28). The Father begged the older son to come and celebrate the return of his younger brother.

There was a reason for the celebration: “We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!” (vs. 32).

We have no evidence that the older son ever attended the celebration of his brother’s return. The younger son was stunned by his welcome home. Both sons had a father who was willing to go out and meet them with an offer of reconciliation and restoration.

The story of the returning son was used to illustrate the parable about the lost coin, where a woman searched her entire house to find the coin. Both the parable about the lost coin and the story of the returning son reveal the heart of God. “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” (vs. 9-10).

Our Father rejoices in the same kind of ending. Only those who are tender and repentant in spirit will experience the celebration. It was the Father’s love that motivated Him to go out and meet both sons, offering both redemption and restoration.

The offer of the father’s redeeming love was available for both brothers if they could get past their mistaken choices and simply accept the father’s love.

God’s love is always available for us, no matter what we did to create a distance between us and the Father’s love.

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This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Garris Elkins

Featured Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

About the Author

Garris Elkins is a Kingdom Winds Contributor. He and his wife, Jan, serve the global Church through writing, speaking, and mentoring. They live in southern Oregon, tucked away in the foothills of the Rogue Valley. Their shared desire is to have each person learn how to hear the heart of God and become a transforming voice in their culture.

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