Part 21 of 35 The father who ran
Some people grumbled that Jesus welcomed sinners and even ate with them. So Jesus told stories about things that were lost: a sheep, a coin and a son (Luke 15).
A younger son took his share of his father's money, went far away and wasted it all. Hungry and alone, feeding pigs, he decided to go home and say: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son" (Luke 15:18–19). "But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him" (Luke 15:20).
The father threw a feast: "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!" (Luke 15:24). Jesus was showing how God welcomes everyone who comes back to him.
Imagined The track
On this track everyone finishes, and the crowd cheers just as loudly for the last runner as for the first.
Real world Helped to the finish
At the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, the British runner Derek Redmond tore a muscle in his leg during a 400-meter race. He kept hobbling on, and his father came out of the crowd to help him reach the finish line, while the whole stadium stood and cheered.
Art In this artwork
The illustration shows an oval running track with gold lanes around a green field, with a small marble finish arch.
Look closer
- Find the finish arch.
- How many lanes can you count?
Think about it
- Why do you think the father ran?
- What does this story show about how God feels when someone comes back to him?
- How can you welcome someone who has said sorry?
Key words
- Compassion
- Deep care for someone who is hurting.
- Parable
- A short story Jesus told to teach about God.
- Sinner
- Someone who has done wrong against God.
Sources
Bible quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible, which is in the public domain. The other facts on this page come from these sources:
- The Bible, Gospel of Luke
- International Olympic Committee, Olympics.com, Derek Redmond at the Barcelona 1992 Games
