A Tale of Three Sons

In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story most of us know, but it’s deeper than we realize. It’s not just about a rebellious son who ran away, spent everything, and came crawling back. It’s also about a religious son who stayed home, followed the rules, but missed his father’s heart. And ultimately, it’s about a righteous Son, Jesus Christ, who tells the story to show us what the Father is really like. Whether we’re lost in reckless living or lost in self-righteous pride, Jesus reminds us that God the Father runs to both kinds of sons. He meets us not with condemnation, but with compassion. Grace isn’t for those who have it all together--it’s for those who know they don’t. The only way home isn’t through our performance, but rather through Jesus, the true Prodigal who left His home, bore our shame, and brings us back into the Father’s arms. The Father doesn’t want just obedient servants--He wants restored sons and daughters.