Luke 15:20 (KJV)
And he arose, and came to his father.
But when he was yet a great way off,
his father saw him,
and had compassion,
and ran,
and fell on his neck,
and kissed him.
Other translations:
So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [fervently]. [AMP] 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. [ESV] He got right up and went home to his father. "When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. [MSB] So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. [NIV] "So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. [NLT] "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. [NKJV]
Do you know what is so beautiful in this parable?
The father saw the prodigal son first!
“And when he was still far from him.”
Yes, the Lord sees the first tear, hears the first cry from the deep.
He sees us when we are still a long way off.
“As I passed by you, I saw you being trodden down in your blood …” (Ezekiel 16: 6).
The father saw his boy coming from afar.
Mercy drives him out to meet his child.
And then they meet. There along that deserted road the father pulls his child, filthy and miserable as he is, falls on his neck and kisses him.
Thus Jesus shows us the love of God to sinners who have spent everything.
What the father is to this boy, God wants to be to repentant sinners.
The parable shows us the heart of God.
Yes, it shows us God’s good pleasure in the Christ.
In a wonderful way we are told here of the great love of God.
The Bible also tells us in a wonderful way of the great love of Jesus.
“This one receives sinners and eats with them.”
Let this parable comfort you.
He sees you, poor sinner from afar.
He walks up to you. Not to break your heart, but to welcome you in love.
Come ..! He is still waiting for you to be gracious to you.
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