Podcasts about compassionate father

How do we share the comfort we've received with those around us?In today's episode, Gaby Alessi Calatayud and Christian Calatayud invite us to explore "A Compassionate Father," reflecting on God's love as our Heavenly Father and the profound compassion He pours into our lives. Together, we'll learn how the comfort and compassion we experience from God can be a blessing to others, whether we're in need of encouragement or ready to extend kindness to those walking beside us.Join us as we pray and devote ourselves to becoming vessels of comfort, allowing God's compassion to flow through our community and into the world.Tap HERE to send us a text! BECOME A FOUNDING "MY MORNING DEVOTIONAL" MEMBERIf you enjoy your 5 minute daily dose of heaven, we would appreciate your support, and we have a fun way for you to partner with the MMD community! We've launched our "Buy Me a Coffee" membership where you can buy us a latte, OR become a founding member and get monthly bonus video episodes! To donate, go to mymorningdevo.co/join! Support the showNEW VIDEO EPISODES! You can watch our new video episodes on YouTube! Watch Our Video Devotionals NEW TO MY MORNING DEVOTIONAL? We're so glad you're here! We're the Alessis, a ministry family working together in a church in Miami, FL, and we're so blessed to partner with the My Morning Devotional community and continue the great work done by the show's creator and our friend, Alison Delamota. We pray our personal reflections and devotions will empower you to grow your faith in God, and that you'll join us every morning in prayer! HELP US GROW THE MMD COMMUNITY Subscribe to the show on this app Share this with a friend Join our newsletter Follow Us on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Leave a review Support Our Friends and Family Connect with the original host of MMD Alison Delamota Follow our family's podcast The Family Business with The Alessis

Have you ever felt too far gone for God to forgive or love you again? The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:20 reminds us that no matter how far we stray, God’s love never wavers. Before the son could even speak a word of repentance, his father ran to meet him, embraced him, and celebrated his return. This story isn’t primarily about the rebellious child—it’s about a loving Father whose compassion and patience are relentless. Intersecting Faith & Life How might you respond differently if you fully trusted that God’s love never wavers? Are there areas of your heart where you’ve kept the door closed to Him? What steps can you take today to run toward God and receive His compassionate embrace? Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: God’s Unwavering Love By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading: “When he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20 NASB) Do you ever feel that you have disappointed God too much for Him to give you another chance? Do you fear returning to Him because of the places you’ve been or the things you’ve done? Jesus told a moving story in Luke 15 about God’s tender forgiveness toward His loved ones when they go astray. We call it the story of the Prodigal Son. The word prodigal literally means one who spends money in a reckless, extravagant way. In this story, a younger son asked his father for his inheritance early. (In Jewish custom, that would be the equivalent of telling his father he wished he were dead.) He then took his share of what was still legally his father’s, and went to a faraway land and squandered his entire inheritance on foolish, reckless, raunchy living. He was living high on the hog, rich with money and “friends,” until he found himself sleeping with the pigs, penniless and alone. Starving, and upon realizing he was envying the pigs for the slop they got to eat, he decided to return home and ask if he could be his father’s hired hand. Then at least he’d be fed better than pigs and have a place to sleep among his father’s servants. It must have been a long, grueling journey home for this man, who by this time was smelly, scrawny, and had been homeless for quite some time. A long walk home without food, water, proper clothing, or even good shoes only increased his shame and humiliation. Perhaps he had a speech prepared, an admission of his wrongdoing, a pleading for his father to consider taking him in as a servant. Or, maybe he just intended to fall in shame, at his father’s feet, and beg to even be heard. But before he could utter a word, his father surprised, shocked, and overwhelmed him with the unexpected greeting he received. His father’s pride was at stake with the return of a son whom he should consider dead to him. How he reacted would set an example to other Jewish families when their rebellious sons acted with such disrespect and contempt. Yet this father, upon seeing from a distance that the scraggly man making his way up the road was not some homeless derelict or demon-possessed wanderer, but his long-lost son, picked up the ends of his robe and ran to meet him. Before the shamed son could even utter a word to express the humiliation in his heart, his father embraced him, held onto him like there was no tomorrow, and then ordered his servants to give his son a robe (representing his position as “sonship”) and a ring (indicating his authority once again as an estate holder). The father then ordered that plans be made to celebrate the homecoming of his wayward son. They literally threw a party. This son, who was once thought dead, was now alive. He had returned home. There was no punishment. No lecture, no shaming, no rebuke, and no harsh words. Just grace. Forgiveness. Abundant love. I used to think this story was about the warning to not rebel, the consequences of disobedience, and the importance of repentance. But the story isn’t so much about the rebellious child, but about the patient, persevering, forgiving love of a father—the one who wouldn’t think for a second to relegate his child from heir to servant. His child’s position in the family didn’t change through disrespectful actions or heinous circumstances. Only the son’s heart had originally changed—and become calloused—toward his father. His father’s love for him, however, had never wavered. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you realize that no matter what you and I do, we can’t “undo” God’s love for us? We can’t position ourselves out of our inheritance in Christ. We can’t disappoint Him to the point that He cancels us, or unfriends us, or relegates us to “outside-the-house” status and lets us visit once or twice a year at Easter or Christmas. The door to His home is always open. In fact, it never closes to us, once we’ve been allowed in to dwell with Him. Our door is the one we shut—the door to our hearts that causes Him to stand and knock and ask to come in (Revelation 3:20). Is the door of your heart constantly open to this Compassionate Father? If you’ve been gone a while, would you simply return to Him and dwell with Him continually? His invitation to you has never expired, His patience has never worn thin, His love has never run dry. Be the one who runs to Him and experiences His loving embrace. Lord Jesus, You have never allowed me to be a stranger to You; may You never be a neglected guest in my heart and home. Thank You for being the Father to whom I can run, ever trust, always love. Further Reading:Luke 15:11-32Jeremiah 31:3 For more on growing closer to your loving heavenly Father, see my book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Part 2 of "Advent 2025: Glory to God in the Highest"

Gary VillaHosea SeriesAug 17th, 2025

Send us a textII Corinthians 7Paul encourages the Corinthians to pursue holiness, cleansing themselves from anything that defiles body and spirit, as they live in reverence to God. He expresses his love for them, reminding them that his previous letter, though painful, was written to bring repentance, not harm. Paul rejoices that their sorrow led to repentance, producing a lasting change in their hearts. He contrasts godly sorrow, which leads to salvation without regret, with worldly sorrow, which profits nothing. Paul praises the Christians for their eagerness to make things right, proving their sincere devotion to God. He also shares his joy over Titus' report, which confirms their obedience and love. Paul ends by expressing his confidence in them, knowing their repentance has strengthened their relationship with both God and him, bringing renewed unity and encouragement.In honor of God, we must pursue cleansed and holy lives. Paul reminds us that godly sorrow leads to real change, not merely regret. This challenges us to examine our hearts. When we sin, do we seek genuine repentance, turning back to God, or do we simply feel sorry without transformation? Authentic repentance should lead us to action, making things right with God and others. Paul also emphasizes the significance of encouraging one another in faith. Just as the Corinthians' obedience refreshed Titus, we should aim to be a source of encouragement for fellow believers. This passage calls us to live in holiness, embrace accountability, and respond to correction with humility, knowing that repentance brings renewed joy and restored fellowship.  Compassionate Father, thank You for calling us to holiness and for Your grace that leads us to repentance. Help us to have godly sorrow that brings true change, not just regret. Lead us to turn from sin and walk in obedience, seeking to honor You and to be passionate in our fight against evil. Give us humble hearts to accept correction and the strength to make things right. May we encourage one another in faith, just as the Corinthians refreshed Titus. Fill us with joy as we grow closer to You, knowing that repentance keeps our relationship with You secure.  Thought Questions: -       What is the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow, and how can you ensure that your repentance leads to true transformation? -       Does true repentance lead you to a longing to avenge the wrong? How is turning from sin a choice to fight that sin fiercely in the future? -       In what ways can you be a source of encouragement and refreshment to fellow believers, as the Corinthians were to Titus?

None are available at this time.

Jesus paints a stunning picture of the Father's heart through the story of the prodigal son—not just a tale of rebellion and return, but a radical revelation of God's compassionate love. When the son who squandered everything finally comes home, the father doesn't meet him with anger or shame. He runs—runs—to embrace him, robe him, and restore him. This is the love of our Heavenly Father: not earned, but freely given; not cautious, but extravagant. We're invited to receive this love without hesitation, letting it heal our shame and rewrite our story. And once we've been embraced by such grace, we're called to extend it to others with the same open arms, the same lavish mercy, and the same joy in seeing the lost return home.

Message Scriptures - Psalm 103 : 8 - 13Luke 15 : 11 - 32

On this podcast, Steve and Hillary finish up their long discussion exploring biblical stories that indirectly reflect the principles of the MELT Process. We'll look at the bleeding woman in Mark 5, who was told she was unclean and how that label shaped her identity until she encountered Jesus. We'll consider the story often called The Prodigal Son, though it could be better named The Compassionate Father, highlighting the deep transformation that comes through being truly seen and embraced. Saul's radical encounter on the road to Damascus challenges us to examine our own moments of revelation and change. Finally, we'll reflect on Psalm 139, where David prays, "Search me, O God," a cry for deep healing and transformation. Through these stories, we'll see how personal reflection, emotional honesty, and God's truth intersect—often in ways we don't expect.CrossCounsel WebsiteCrossCounsel on Facebook

Pastor Stephen Harmon's message at Kingdom Life Community Church given on 1/19/2025. Music by scottholmesmusic.com

Sermon preached by Harry Fujiwara on Luke 15:11-32

Ask God to open your heart to those in need so you can imitate the Father's compassion for our broken world. Subscribe to daily devotions e-mails: https://wcm.link/ddsub

Join us today as Pastor John continues his series God's Family Plan with today's topic being Lessons From The Compassionate Father while giving us three points on why the role of a father is so important, four points on what if you had an absent or poor father experience, four characteristics of loving father, and leaving us with this quote "Your relationship with God is based on grace not merit". Key passages: Luke 17:17-19, Luke 15:25-27, John 6:28-29, and John 11:25-26. September 15th 2024

There's care because He's your Father, but judgment because of your rebellion, and mercy because of His compassion. Listen now to the message Our Compassionate Father from Hosea 11:1–9 in the final message of the series Thus Saith the Lord. This podcast is a production of Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago. Executive Producer: Flavius Herlo Speaker: Pastor Jeff Thompson Sound design, mixing, and editing: Nathaniel Dulski Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Bryan Spahr Producer: Nathaniel Dulski WE INVITE YOU TO CONNECT WITH US: • Website: www.harvestbible.org/ WE INVITE YOU TO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: • Instagram: @harvestbiblechapel • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harvestbiblechapel/  

Welcome to the Prayer 365 Podcast! Our mission is to transform lives through the lifestyle of prayer. Join us LIVE Mon-Fri at 6:30 am, Sat at 7:30 am, and Sunday at Thryve Church at 10:30 am!Let's connect! Fill out a Connect Card: https://www.thryve.church/connect-card

Rev. Dr. Jacob Cherian

Mercy, Grace, and Compassion: The Compassionate Father - Luke 15 - Rev. Donnell T. Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarbor or watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard Summary: In this thought-provoking sermon from the series "Mercy, Grace, Compassion," Pastor Donnell begins by defining these interconnected concepts before delving into the familiar parable of the Prodigal Son. He offers a fresh perspective that shifts our focus to the father's extraordinary display of mercy, challenging societal norms of the time. By comparing the father's actions to those typically associated with a mother's love, Pastor Donnell challenges our conventional understanding of God's character and invites us to reconsider our image of divine mercy.   Pastor Donnell expertly weaves together the story's narrative, highlighting the father's compassionate response to his wayward son's return and contrasting it with the older brother's struggle to accept such boundless forgiveness. This exploration of the elder brother's perspective mirrors our own potential hesitations when faced with extending mercy to those we deem less deserving. Through this, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own attitudes towards mercy and justice, and to recognize the transformative power of God's kindness in leading us to repentance.   The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder of the importance of our perception of God, emphasizing that a compassionate, merciful, and grace-filled image of the Divine can inspire us to live more courageous and kingdom-oriented lives. Pastor Donnell leaves the audience with a challenge to allow the Holy Spirit to renovate their hearts, enabling them to more fully embrace and embody the merciful nature of God in their own lives and relationships. This message reinforces that mercy is not just a theological concept, but a practical action that can profoundly affect how we interact with others in our community.

God's compassion motivates Him to show us His amazing grace. We must practice such compassion in all aspects of our lives and follow the example of Jesus so that we may come to fully grasp our compassionate God.

"A Compassionate Father" by Pastor Gary Espeseth.Follow along with today's sermon using the Bible App.http://bible.com/events/49269408Connect with us: crosslakechristian.com/connectGive online: crosslakechristian.com/giveWatch Live Sundays @ 10:45 - live.crosslakechristian.com

This week we zoom in on the father in the parable of the two lost sons. We see that the father has costly love, gracious love, and abundant love. 

Luke 15:11-32   English Standard Version     11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”' 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate. 25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'” Luke 15:11-32 English Standard Version 11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”' 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate. 25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'”

The Third Sunday after Pentecost. The Bible is filled with examples of fatherhood, both good and bad. Jesus' relationship with God as Father helps us understand what it means for us to know God in this way and how this relationship can form father figures today.#episcopal #episcopalchurch #episcopalian #church #jesusmovement #wayoflove #christian #anglican #allarewelcome #christianity #prayer #jesus #iglesiaepiscopal   #theology #anglicanchurch #holyspririt #faith #stmarksnewcanaaan  #ens #ecct #spirituality #bible #scriptures #joy #peace #grace #hope #johnkennedy #revjohnkennedy

Dr. Tom Davis preaches from Luke 15.

This message draws from the example of the compassionate father of two sons, one the prodigal and the other resentful, to see that God celebrates repentance. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/church-of-christ/support

How do we see God's compassion? To think that He forsook His son, Jesus, on the cross, so that He never needs to forsake you! To those in Christ, God is not a strict judge, but rather a loving father.Thank you for listening to this episode of Declaring His Glory Among the Nations: Daily Scripture Meditations from Pastors Around the World.This show is from The Master's Academy International.If you like this podcast, please subscribe, and leave a review on your favorite podcast app. The Master's Academy International is committed to fulfilling the Great Commission by training indigenous church leaders worldwide.For more information and to learn how to get involved, visit www.tmai.org.► CONNECT WITH US: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tmai.orgInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/tmai_orgTwitter - https://twitter.com/tmai_org► SEE OUR RESOURCES: Field Reports - https://www.tmai.org/updateMinistry Updates - https://www.tmai.org/subscribeOnline Giving - https://www.tmai.org/donateDevotional Book - https://www.tmai.org/devotionalFree Book - https://www.tmai.org/freebook► CONTACT US: Address - 13248 Roscoe Blvd, Sun Valley, CA 91352Phone - (818) 909-5570Email - info@tmai.org

Psalms 22

Chaplain Clayton Gregory

Chaplain Clayton Gregory

It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. — Ephesians 2:8-9 This passage helps us to under­stand some very important things about salvation. We are saved only by God's grace to us in the finished work of Christ, not through any works of our own. And we receive this wonderful salvation through faith. Also, we are not saved because of faith, but through faith. Three truths can be highlighted about salvation: first, its cause: grace. Second, its instrument: faith. Third, its consequence: good works. We are saved by grace through faith in order to do good works. We are not saved by any work we do for God, but by the work Christ did for us on the cross and through his resurrection. And we do good works not to be accepted by God but because we are saved through grace. Good works are not the cause of salvation; they are the result of salvation. We have been saved to do good works that God has prepared for us to do. And the Spirit of God empowers us to do them. Grace, faith, and good works are like a tripod that illustrates our salvation. All three are accomplished by God himself, for grace, faith, and good works are God's operations in us and for us. Compassionate Father, the greatness of our salvation in Christ is revealed in your grace to us, in your gift of faith to us, and in your good work through us in our everyday lives. Guide us to live faithfully for you, in Jesus' name. Amen.

As remorse and compassion collide, healing begins. Keywords: Contrition: reconcile; homecoming; Jesus stories. Scripture: Luke 15:20

This week, guest preacher Josh Patterson is in Luke 15. The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a story of two sons, one near and one far away, with the same compassionate father. As believers, regardless of life's circumstances, God is our compassionate father. This story is an invitation to those near and far from God to come home.

Welcome to this week's episode of The AUSA Podcast! Today, we're bringing our series on "hospitality" to a close in a bit of a different way than usual. In our last episode of this series, Luke recaps the series and talks about the source of our hospitality, our home, God. He looks at the Story of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15, and ends out the episode by reading "A Liturgy for an Inconsolable Homesickness" for those of you who are missing home or feel without one. Thanks for listening to this series, it's been a ton of fun! We'll see you next week. If you enjoyed this episode or anything we talked about peaked your interest, we'd love to start a conversation! Do us a favor and share it with your friends, and if you have thoughts or questions you can DM us on Instagram @au411. Now that we think of it, to keep up with all things AU Student Activities, visit our Instagram @au411. The books that were mentioned in this episode are "The Return of The Prodigal Son" by Henri Nouwen, and "Every Moment Holy, Volume 1."

The Pharisees and Scribes grumbled as Jesus dined with the unwelcome and uninvited. In a series of three parables, Jesus responds to their complaints with the message that the Kingdom is for all people. It is for the saint and the sinner. The banquet table is set by a compassionate Father. For th...

Pastor Terry A. Smith

Today Pastor Jeff shares from Psalm 103:13-14, and teaches us how our Good God is a Caring and Compassionate Father!

After eight-year-old Gabriel underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his brain, it left a noticeable scar on the side of his head. When the boy said he felt like a monster, his dad, Josh, had an idea: demonstrate how much he loved his son by getting a tattoo on the side of his head with the same shape as Gabriel’s scar. According to the psalmist, this is the kind of empathic and compassionate love God has for “his children” (Psalms 103:13). Using a metaphor drawn from human life, David illustrated God’s love. He said it’s as tender as a good father’s care for his children (v. 17). Just as a human father shows compassion to his children, so God, our heavenly Father, shows love and care toward those who fear Him. He’s a compassionate father, who empathizes with His people. When we’re weak and feel like we’re unlovable because of the scars of life, may we receive, by faith, our heavenly Father’s love toward us. He demonstrated His compassion by sending his Son to lay “down his life for us” (1 John 3:16)—for our salvation. With this one act, not only can we experience God’s love for us, but we can look to the cross and see it. Aren’t you glad that we have a High Priest who can “empathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15)? He has the scars to prove it.

5/15 • Luke 15:11-32 • Brandon Gilbert

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Luke 15:11-32. Jesus' third parable in response to the Pharisees' grumbling brings His teaching on the grace of God to a grand climax. Jesus speaks of a father and his two sons. The younger son asks for his inheritance ahead of time. The father responds to this terrible insult by agreeing to his son's demand. The son liquidates his property and goes to a foreign land, providing a picture of the distance from God inherent in our sin and idolatry. The younger son hits rock bottom and comes to his senses, though he still thinks he will work his way back until he sees the love of his father. The father sees his son at a distance and runs to him; he forgives him, receives him back as a son, and throws a party. At this point, the older son shows that he too is lost. He refuses to go into his dad's celebration, another terrible insult to the father. Yet the father goes to him as well, calling him into the same joy of being a son rather than a servant. The parable is left open-ended as a call to the Pharisees and scribes to join in the joy of being a part of Jesus' kingdom with all repentant sinners. “The Beloved Physician's Orderly Account” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Luke. The Evangelist wrote his well-researched account of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection so that Theophilus would have certainty concerning the things he had been taught. As we still read the Word of God recorded by St. Luke, our gracious Lord gives us that same certainty that Jesus is our Savior.