{"id":3769,"date":"2026-06-08T06:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/?p=3769"},"modified":"2026-06-06T13:45:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T18:45:57","slug":"the-father-who-ran-luke-15-11-32","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-father-who-ran-luke-15-11-32\/","title":{"rendered":"The Father Who Ran: Why the Prodigal Son Is Really About God (Luke 15:11\u201332)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"h-the-audience-luke-is-writing-to\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Audience Luke Is Writing To<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Luke continues writing to <strong>Theophilus and readers seeking to understand the mission of Jesus and the heart of God toward sinners<\/strong>. Therefore, he records what may be one of the most powerful parables Jesus ever told.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, understanding the audience is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the beginning of Luke 15, tax collectors and sinners are drawing near to Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the same time, the Pharisees and scribes are grumbling:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cThis man receives sinners and eats with them.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a result, Jesus tells three connected parables:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">The Lost Sheep<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The Lost Coin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The Lost Son<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each parable builds upon the one before it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, one sheep is lost out of one hundred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then, one coin is lost out of ten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, one son is lost from the family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With each story, the value of what is lost increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And with each story, Jesus reveals more of God\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Luke 15:11-32 NASB<br>And He said, &#8220;A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, &#8216;Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.&#8217; So he divided his wealth between them. And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. But when he came to his senses, he said, &#8216;How many of my father&#8217;s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, &#8220;Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.&#8221;&#8216; So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, &#8216;Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.&#8217; But the father said to his slaves, &#8216;Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.&#8217; And they began to celebrate. &#8220;Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. And he said to him, &#8216;Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.&#8217; But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. But he answered and said to his father, &#8216;Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.&#8217; And he said to him, &#8216;Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.'&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-key-focus-of-the-passage-and-jesus-character\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Focus of the Passage and Jesus\u2019 Character<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">The focus is\u00a0<strong>on the pursuing love of the Father<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although most Bibles title this passage \u201cThe Prodigal Son,\u201d the central figure is actually the Father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The younger son receives much attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The older brother receives much attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the father dominates every major turning point in the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus reveals Himself as <strong>the perfect representation of the Father\u2019s heart\u2014a God who pursues, restores, forgives, and invites people into relationship<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-people-in-the-interaction\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The People in the Interaction<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This parable contains three primary characters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\"><strong>The Father<\/strong>, representing God\u2019s heart<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\"><strong>The Younger Son<\/strong>, representing open rebellion and brokenness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\"><mark class=\"annotation-text annotation-text-yoast\" id=\"annotation-text-830e8207-25f6-4a37-8794-97722d7a82f0\"><strong>The Older Brother<\/strong>, representing self-righteousness and religious pride<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet both sons share something in common:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both are lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One is lost far from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The other is lost while standing near it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-happened-in-the-scene\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Happened in the Scene<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus tells the story of a father with two sons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The younger son demands his inheritance early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In that culture, such a request was shocking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The son is essentially saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFather, I would rather have your possessions than a relationship with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practical terms, it is a rejection of the father himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the culture of Jesus\u2019 day, an inheritance was normally distributed after a father\u2019s death. Therefore, by demanding his share early, the younger son was effectively saying, \u201cFather, I want what belongs to you, but I no longer want you.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To those listening, the request would have sounded very much like wishing his father were already dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After receiving his inheritance, the son leaves home and travels to a distant country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There, he wastes everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eventually, famine arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His money disappears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His friends disappear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And his opportunities disappear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, he finds himself feeding pigs\u2014an especially humiliating detail for a Jewish audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, the father waits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then, the son decides to return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, what happens next surprises everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The father runs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He embraces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He restores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And He celebrates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet the story is not over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The older brother becomes angry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He refuses to join the celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And suddenly, the audience realizes something important:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are two lost sons in the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-this-parable-is-different\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why This Parable Is Different<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most parables focus on a single lesson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This one unfolds layer after layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For centuries, readers have called it the <strong>\u201cParable of the Prodigal Son.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, many scholars believe a better title would be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Parable of the Loving Father<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or even:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Father Who Ran<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because every major movement of the story centers on him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The father grants freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The father watches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And the father runs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The father restores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The father pleads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the father pursues both sons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In fact, the father\u2019s actions would have shocked Jesus\u2019 audience even more than the younger son\u2019s rebellion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Middle Eastern patriarchs did not run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Men of honor walked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Running required lifting one\u2019s robe and exposing one\u2019s legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was considered undignified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet this father runs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not because he loses control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But because his love is greater than his concern for personal dignity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-mood-and-tone\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mood and Tone<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tone moves from <strong>rejection \u2192 loss \u2192 longing \u2192 restoration \u2192 confrontation \u2192 invitation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And through every stage, the Father\u2019s love remains constant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sons change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The circumstances change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The emotions change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet the Father\u2019s heart never changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-jesus-reveals\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Jesus Reveals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus reveals several profound truths:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">God\u2019s love pursues people before they pursue Him<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Rebellion is not the only form of lostness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Religious pride can create distance from God<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Grace moves toward people before they deserve it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Restoration is the goal of the Father<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">God\u2019s invitation extends to both the rebellious and the self-righteous<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-response-of-the-others\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Response of the Others<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-the-tax-collectors-and-sinners\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Tax Collectors and Sinners<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They would have identified with the younger son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They understood failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And they understood shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They understood the need for grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-the-pharisees-and-scribes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Pharisees and Scribes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Initially, they likely identified with the older brother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, as the story unfolds, they begin to realize Jesus is exposing their hearts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The older brother becomes a mirror reflecting their attitude toward sinners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And the realization would have been uncomfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-lesson-for-us-in-2026\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Lesson for Us in 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-1-the-father-is-the-hero-of-the-story\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. The Father Is the Hero of the Story<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The parable is not ultimately about human failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is about divine love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-lostness-takes-more-than-one-form\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Lostness Takes More Than One Form<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some people run from God through rebellion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Others distance themselves through pride and self-righteousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-3-god-s-pursuit-is-relentless\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. God\u2019s Pursuit Is Relentless<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Father moves toward both sons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neither one is ignored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-grace-is-greater-than-shame\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Grace Is Greater Than Shame<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Father\u2019s actions demonstrate that restoration is available even after devastating failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-religion-cannot-replace-relationship\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Religion Cannot Replace Relationship<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The older brother\u2019s obedience never produced intimacy with his father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">External faithfulness without relationship still leads to separation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-final-reflection\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Reflection<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The story commonly called the <strong>Prodigal Son<\/strong> may be one of the most misunderstood parables in Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At first glance, it appears to be about a rebellious young man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the deeper we look, the more clearly we see the real focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a story about a Father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Father who waits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Father who watches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And a Father who runs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Father who restores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And perhaps most remarkably, a Father who pursues both sons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One son wanted the Father\u2019s possessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The other wanted the Father\u2019s approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet neither truly understood the Father\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus tells this story because He wants us to understand what God is really like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not distant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not reluctant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And not waiting to punish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But actively pursuing people with extravagant love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So the question becomes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which son do we most resemble\u2014and are we willing to receive the love of the Father who continues pursuing us?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-suggested-reading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Suggested Reading:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-stand-firm wp-block-embed-stand-firm\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"TIXGgAzU6C\"><a href=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/boy-jesus-in-the-temple-luke-2-41-52\/\">The Boy Jesus in the Temple: Early Awareness of His Mission (Luke 2:41\u201352)<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cThe Boy Jesus in the Temple: Early Awareness of His Mission (Luke 2:41\u201352)\u201d \u2014 Stand Firm\" src=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/boy-jesus-in-the-temple-luke-2-41-52\/embed\/#?secret=c2ZQ3GnHLM#?secret=TIXGgAzU6C\" data-secret=\"TIXGgAzU6C\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-stand-firm wp-block-embed-stand-firm\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"u3vTj9hozN\"><a href=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/parable-of-the-lost-sheep-luke-15-3-7\/\">The Parable of the Lost Sheep: The God Who Pursues the One (Luke 15:3\u20137)<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cThe Parable of the Lost Sheep: The God Who Pursues the One (Luke 15:3\u20137)\u201d \u2014 Stand Firm\" src=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/parable-of-the-lost-sheep-luke-15-3-7\/embed\/#?secret=EZXAeIHOcl#?secret=u3vTj9hozN\" data-secret=\"u3vTj9hozN\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-stand-firm wp-block-embed-stand-firm\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"FbNGpEDi1S\"><a href=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/parable-of-the-lost-sheep-warning-against-despising\/\">Jesus and the Parable of the Lost Sheep: A Warning Against Despising the Little Ones<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cJesus and the Parable of the Lost Sheep: A Warning Against Despising the Little Ones\u201d \u2014 Stand Firm\" src=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/parable-of-the-lost-sheep-warning-against-despising\/embed\/#?secret=AZo8MgcwCi#?secret=FbNGpEDi1S\" data-secret=\"FbNGpEDi1S\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-stand-firm wp-block-embed-stand-firm\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"rqUGlxpD83\"><a href=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/god-values-our-presence-over-our-performance\/\">God Values Our Presence Over Our Performance<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cGod Values Our Presence Over Our Performance\u201d \u2014 Stand Firm\" src=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/god-values-our-presence-over-our-performance\/embed\/#?secret=yFoSb9MhP1#?secret=rqUGlxpD83\" data-secret=\"rqUGlxpD83\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-stand-firm wp-block-embed-stand-firm\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"yEwYVEQJf9\"><a href=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/accountability-is-a-key-to-living-a-life-submitted-to-god-but-it-only-works-when-you-are-willing-to-be-held-to-account\/\">Accountability Is A Key To Living A Life Submitted To God, But It Only Works When You Are Willing To Be Held To Account!<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cAccountability Is A Key To Living A Life Submitted To God, But It Only Works When You Are Willing To Be Held To Account!\u201d \u2014 Stand Firm\" src=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/accountability-is-a-key-to-living-a-life-submitted-to-god-but-it-only-works-when-you-are-willing-to-be-held-to-account\/embed\/#?secret=RrorPS1aWW#?secret=yEwYVEQJf9\" data-secret=\"yEwYVEQJf9\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In Luke 15:11\u201332, Jesus reveals the heart of God through the story of a father who pursues both a rebellious son and a self-righteous son. This parable is ultimately about the extravagant love, grace, and pursuit of the Father.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3770,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[675,2421,1234,2675],"tags":[2261,2678,2665,2679,2676,1004,2677],"class_list":["post-3769","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gospel-of-luke","category-grace","category-parables-of-jesus","category-the-heart-of-god","tag-grace-and-restoration","tag-heart-of-god-the-father","tag-luke-15-explained","tag-parable-of-the-prodigal-son","tag-prodigal-son-explained","tag-teachings-of-jesus","tag-the-father-who-ran"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Father Who Ran to His Lost Son<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore the profound lessons in the father who ran. 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