06/01/2026
A Wasteful Son and A Loving Father
If you asked me to list my favorite New Testament Bible “story,” near or at the top would have to be the parable Jesus told in Luke 15 (verses 11-32) that we often refer to as the “story of the prodigal son.” Prodigal means wasteful or recklessly and certainly the younger of the two sons was wasteful and lived recklessly with the resources his father had given him upon the son’s demand. It has also been often noted that this father actually had more than one son that could be considered a prodigal and the older son that remained home could be considered wasteful as well based on his disdain for his younger’s brother return which highlights his own selfish motives for remaining in the home of his father.
Nevertheless, I prefer to refer to this passage as the parable of the loving father. Certainly the dad in this passage exemplifies unconditional love second to none! During this Father’s Day season, what wonderful verses to meditate on to view God’s view of a loving father and how we as fathers should conduct ourselves regardless of the responses from others, even our own children. So, what can we learn from the exchanges and decisions recorded for us all to glean from?
First of all, the younger son demands his portion of his inheritance even while his father is yet living. What does this father do? He provides both sons with their portion of the inheritance. The father then allows the younger son to freely leave a short time afterward. The son soon learns from the school of “hard knocks.” After wasting all his finances, his so-called friends disappear and then there’s a famine in the land. The son is required to swallow his pride and care for hogs to make ends meet. While feeding the swine, something amazing happens. According to verse 17, this son came to himself! What a powerful verse that is! Can you imagine how many parents have been praying that their child would come to himself or herself?
Not only did this son come to himself, he remembered his loving father and he knew he could return to his loving father. He remembered how his loving father was a provider for him and for others. It’s an easy decision, hog slop or return to the arms of dad---dad wins, hands down.
Upon his return, the loving father sees a tired, hungry and smelly son. No ridicule from this father, no criticizing from this father, in fact the father is now running—towards his tired, hungry and smelly son! The son is welcomed home with a kiss, robe, ring, sandals, steak meal and a great celebration party. Why such a celebration one may ask. The father’s response was simple; his son was dead and is alive again, was lost and is now found (vs. 24).
My prayer is that more of us as fathers will take heed and follow the principles and practices of this loving father, who is modeling Christ’s love for us all, since we too have been wasteful and lived recklessly. I am thankful for Christ’s perfect love as our loving Father.
Wishing all fathers and father figures a Happy Father’s Day!
Roy Newman, Senior Pastor
