Who Was The Real Prodigal? The Father or The Son?

Vikki Waters • February 2, 2016

Many Bibles refer to this story [in Luke 15] as the parable of the prodigal son. I like to refer to the father , not the younger son, in this story as the true prodigal, because the word prodigal, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, means “one who spends or gives lavishly and foolishly.” It is true that the first son spent his inheritance prodigally—he “squandered his wealth in wild living” (Luke 15:13). However, his actions pale in comparison to the prodigal nature of the father’s response to his son. It is the father—whose lavish and foolish demonstrations of love defy reason and responsibility—who is the greatest prodigal of this story. And his prodigal love gives us a picture of the reckless, extravagant, and unreasonable love of Father God for us.

This is God’s heart for all of His sons and daughters, for every person ever born. He is extreme, excessive, and extravagant with His love toward His children, even when those children have wandered far from His heart. In Jesus’ parable, we see in both sons a picture of God’s response to those children who have wandered from His heart.

This is an excerpt from  my new book Loved Like Jesus.

I wrote it because I want you to experience the deep love that your heavenly Father has for you. Living from this reality as a much loved son or daughter, you can rest in a confident connection with Him and experience abundant living and lasting freedom.

Order my book today for yourself and an extra copy for a friend, your pastor and/or your small group.

Thanking Him for you,

Vikki

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