The Prodigal’s Confession

Jesus tells this parable as part of three stories about God's heart for the lost—a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son (Luke 15:1-10). Religious leaders grumble that Jesus welcomes sinners, so he responds with these stories to reveal the Father's heart. In the story of the prodigal, a young son insults his father by demanding his inheritance early. He leaves home and wastes everything on reckless living. At his lowest moment of starvation, he comes to his senses. He rehearses a confession and heads home, prepared to beg for a servant's position. But before he even finishes his speech, his father runs to him, embraces him, and throws a celebration. The son's confession is met not with anger or conditions but with overwhelming love...