The Son Who Came Home

Here is a story Jesus told, about a son who went far away, and a father who never stopped loving him.

Lots of people came to hear Jesus, even people who had done many wrong things. But some grown-ups grumbled. They said, "This man welcomes sinners, and eats with them." So Jesus told them a story.

Once there was a man who had two sons. One day, the younger son said, "Father, give me my share of your property." He wanted his part of the family's riches, right now! What a thing to ask! But the father shared out everything he had between his two sons.

Soon the younger son packed up everything, and set off for a country far, far away. There he spent his money on wild parties and silly things, until not one coin was left. Then a famine came to that land. That means there was hardly any food for anyone. The young man was hungry, so he took a job feeding pigs.

The pigs snuffled and snorted and gobbled up their dinner. Oink, oink, crunch, crunch. He was so hungry, he wished he could eat the pig food too. But nobody gave him a thing.

Sitting there in the mud, he finally came to his senses. Even his father's workers had plenty of bread. And here he was, hungry and alone. So he said, "I will get up and go to my father." He would say sorry, and ask to work for his father as a servant.

So he began the long walk home. Step by step, down the dusty road.

And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. The father's heart filled up with love. And do you know what he did? He ran! He threw his arms around his son, and hugged him, and kissed him. The son began the words he had practiced. "Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son."

But before he could say another word, the father called out to his servants. "Bring out the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet." "He was lost and is found," said the father. And they began to celebrate. Soon the house was full of music, dancing, and good food. What a party!

But someone was missing from the party. The older brother. Coming home from the fields, he heard the music. A servant told him his little brother was home, safe and well. The older brother felt hot and cross inside, and he would not go in. So his father came out, and begged him to come in.

But the older brother said he had worked hard for years, and always obeyed. No one ever threw a party for him! Now his brother had wasted all that money, and he got a feast? It didn't seem fair. The father looked at him with love, and said, "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours." He told him they just had to celebrate, because his brother had been lost, and now he was found.

Jesus ended his story there. He didn't say if the older brother went in. What do you think he did?

This story teaches us that God is like that loving father. When we turn back to him, he runs to forgive us and welcome us home.

And it teaches us to be glad, not grumpy, when someone else is forgiven too.