Lessons From The Prodigal’s Father

On Father’s Day, as we pause to celebrate and honour the men who help shape our lives, the parable of the prodigal son found in Luke 15:11-32 (KJV) offers a profound portrait of fatherhood. Within these verses, Jesus portrays a father whose character and attributes transcend time and culture, offering a model for all who desire to nurture, guide, and love with depth and grace. This message examines the key qualities of the father in Jesus’ parable and reflects on their significance for fathers—and for all of us—today.

The Parable: A Brief Overview

The parable, as recorded in Luke 15:11-32 (KJV), tells the story of a man with two sons. The younger son, seeking independence, asks for his share of the inheritance and leaves home, squandering his wealth in riotous living. When famine strikes, the son is left destitute and alone, feeding swine and longing for even the husks they ate. In his despair, he decides to return to his father, repentant and hoping to be received as a servant rather than a son.

The father, upon seeing his son “a great way off,” runs to him, embraces him, and restores him with compassion and celebration. When the elder son protests the father’s generosity, the father gently reassures him of his love, explaining that “it was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.”

1. The Father’s Enduring Qualities

The father in this parable embodies qualities that are both divine and deeply human. Let us reflect on these key characteristics:

A. Generosity and Trust

One of the first things we notice is the father’s generosity. When the younger son asks for his inheritance—a request that, in the culture of the time, could be interpreted as wishing his father dead—the father does not rebuke or withhold. Instead, “he divided unto them his living” (v.12).

This act is not only generous but also displays a profound trust. The father allows his son to make choices, even when they carry the risk of failure and pain. He honours his son’s agency, a quality that echoes God’s gift of free will to each of us.

B. Patience and Hopefulness (20)

Though the parable does not explicitly record the father’s waiting, the narrative suggests a heart that is patient and full of hope. The father seems to watch for his son’s return, for “when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him” (v.20). This indicates that the father’s eyes and heart were always turned towards the horizon, holding hope that his child would come home. Such patience is a hallmark of great parenting—the ability to wait, to hope, and to keep love ready for the day it is needed most.

C. Compassion and Mercy (20)

The heart of the father is revealed in his response to the returning son. He does not demand explanations or assign blame. Instead, “he had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” (v.20). This is an exuberant, unconditional welcome. The father’s mercy wipes away the shame and the filth of the far country. He meets his son not with judgment, but with open arms, showing us the power of compassion to heal and restore.

D. Restoration and Celebration (24)

The father does not merely forgive his son; he restores him. He orders the best robe, a ring, and shoes for his son, and commands a feast to celebrate his return: “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found” (v.24). To restore is to reinstate dignity, identity, and belonging. This restoration is crowned with joy—a celebration which proclaims to the whole household that reconciliation has triumphed over alienation.

E. Unconditional Love (31)

Perhaps the greatest quality of the father is his unconditional love. This love is not earned, nor is it diminished by rebellion or distance. The father loves both his sons: the one who left, and the one who stayed. To the elder son, who feels slighted and angry, the father says, “Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine” (v.31). The father’s love encompasses both the repentant and the resentful. It is steadfast, enduring, and ever-available.

F. Humility and Gentleness (28)

When confronted by the elder son’s anger, the father does not respond with rebuke or pride. Instead, he “came out and intreated him” (v.28). He listens, speaks gently, and affirms the elder son’s place in the family. This humility in addressing the grievances of both sons shows a sensitivity to each child’s emotional needs and a willingness to bridge gaps in understanding.

G. Readiness to Forgive

The father’s readiness to forgive is central. He does not require the younger son to earn his way back; the mere act of returning is enough. The father’s forgiveness is immediate and complete—a reflection of God’s own forgiveness for all who return to Him.