The Prodigal Son — A Father’s Welcome Home
- Ken Kalis
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
When I left my parents' home, I began a ruinous journey on the broad way that leads to destruction.
I was young, popular, and became a friend of the worldly wise.
But as I emptied myself of holiness, I lost the Light of the World.
Distant from His goodness, Jesus came after me and saved me from myself.
He gave me again a seat at His table, a robe of salvation, and a place of honor and rest.
Isn't Jesus Wonderful?
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Scripture Reading: Luke 15:11-24 (KJV)
“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.”— Luke 15:17-19, KJV
Summary (2 lines)
Repentance begins when we “come to ourselves” and turn back to God. The Father’s mercy meets the sinner on the road and restores him as His child.
The Story of the Prodigal Son
Jesus told this story to show the boundless grace of our heavenly Father. A young man, impatient and self-willed, demanded his inheritance early and left home to live as he pleased.
For a time, it seemed he had everything he wanted — until famine came, friends disappeared, and he found himself feeding pigs, hungry and ashamed.
In his misery, he came to himself — the turning point of every true repentance — and said, “I will arise and go to my father.” What a miracle that moment was!
And before he even reached home, his father saw him, ran to meet him, and restored him with robe, ring, and rejoicing.
This is the heart of God. The elder brother could not understand it, but Jesus wanted His hearers to know that heaven itself rejoices over one sinner who repents. The story isn’t just about a wayward son — it’s about a Father who never stops waiting.
Reflection
Every one of us has had “far country” seasons — when we thought we knew better, or tried to find joy apart from God. But the same grace that met the prodigal meets us today. The Father is still watching the road. He runs, embraces, and calls us “son” and “daughter” again.
Perhaps this week, you or someone you love needs to “come to themselves” and begin that walk home. The Father’s welcome is certain, and His forgiveness is full.
Prayer
Loving Father, thank You that Your mercy has no limit. When I wander, draw me back to You; when I return, let me feel the warmth of Your embrace. Teach me to rejoice when others come home, too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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There were ninety and nine that safely lay
In the shelter of the fold.
But one was out on the hills away,
Far off from the gates of gold.
Away on the mountains, wild and bare.
Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.
Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.
“Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine;
Are they not enough for Thee?”
But the Shepherd made answer: “This of Mine
Has wandered away from Me;
And although the road be rough and steep,
I go to the desert to find My sheep,
I go to the desert to find My sheep.”
But none of the ransomed ever knew
How deep were the waters crossed;
Nor how dark was the night the Lord passed through
Ere He found His sheep that was lost.
Out in the desert, He heard its cry,
Sick and helpless and ready to die;
Sick and helpless and ready to die.
“Lord, whence are those blood drops all the way
That mark out the mountain’s track?”
“They were shed for one who had gone astray
Ere the Shepherd could bring him back.”
“Lord, whence are Thy hands so rent and torn?”
“They are pierced tonight by many a thorn;
They are pierced tonight by many a thorn.”
And all through the mountains, thunder riven
And up from the rocky steep,
There arose a glad cry to the gate of Heaven,
“Rejoice! I have found My sheep!”
And the angels echoed around the throne,
“Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!
Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!”
Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1868.
And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Matthew 18:13
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