The Compassionate Father
On what basis does the younger son return home? Yes, he has humbled himself and finally come to terms that he had acted foolishly and that he alone was responsible for the awful poverty he now found himself in. He had sinned against heaven, as well as his father (Luke 15:18). He has also made up his mind not to ask to be reinstated to his status as a son; instead, he will only ask for the role of a hired servant (v. 19). But what made him think he would be accepted back? How does he know that his father will not reject him and tell him, “You made your bed; now lie in it”? The answer is quite simple—he knows his father.
Was his father watching for him? Did he take time out every day in order to see if his son was coming home? Was he hopeful? Perhaps. One thing is certain. He saw him from a great distance and recognized him. He immediately felt compassion for his son and ran to greet him; he fell on his neck and kissed him (v. 20). Did he not know that his son had squandered all his money? Seeing the way he was dressed, it’s fairly safe to assume that he had figured that one out. He did not first lecture him on money management and the evils of worldliness. His younger son had figured that out, too. It was not the time for hurt pride; it was a time of rejoicing. Clearly, the father loved his son.
This joyous reunion occurred before the young man even explained why he had returned. The younger son surely felt relieved at his reception. He could have even assumed that all was forgiven and he, therefore, did not need to humble himself, as he had planned. But, no, he came to say what he had rehearsed (v. 21). The father probably heard the confession that his son made, but he did not comment on it because he was too busy giving instructions to his servants to prepare for a celebration. He rattled them off rapidly. “Bring out the best robe and put it on him!” His clothes were probably in tatters after the long journey home. “Put a ring on his hand.” If he had departed with any jewelry, he had probably sold it in order to survive. “Put sandals on his feet!” Probably he had not returned barefoot (v. 22), but what he had on was in shambles. He looked somewhat lean, also. “Bring out the fatted calf for a feast!” Those words must have sounded good (v. 23).
Very quickly, this sad and humbling homecoming turned into a time of merriment. Why? The father’s son had been dead, but now he was alive. He had been dead in sin, dead to Heaven, dead to his father and all who knew him. It was not their fault he was dead; his love for the world killed him. But he had revived himself. No one talked him into returning; he made that decision on his own. Reality helped. He had been lost to everyone (v. 24); now he was found. The father saw it.