If Jesus Had Told It Differently

When Jesus told the story of the Prodigal Son, He was painting a picture of God’s limitless, extravagant love! But imagine if the story had gone differently if the father had been like so many in the world today:

The son, broken, worn out, and desperate, finally makes his way home. He’s standing at the door, knocking, waiting, hoping for mercy. But instead of running to embrace him, his father cracks open a window and looks down with suspicion.

“Oh, it’s you,” he says. “Spent everything, I suppose? Look at you! What a mess. What do you want now? A handout? You had your share. And now, when you're in need, suddenly you remember where home is.”

The son pleads, “Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you…” but before he can finish, the window slams shut. Minutes pass, silence lingers. Then the door creaks open just a little.

His father steps out. “I’m ashamed of you,” he says. “You embarrassed me. You embarrassed this family. But, since I’m your father, I’ll give you one chance. Three months of probation. No mistakes, no slip-ups, and maybe—just maybe—I’ll let you back in.”

Now, aren’t you glad that’s NOT the story Jesus told? Aren’t you grateful that our Heavenly Father isn’t keeping score, holding grudges, or making us prove ourselves before He welcomes us home? No, when the real father in Jesus’ story sees his son from far off, he doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t hold back—he RUNS to him! He embraces him! He calls for the finest robe, a ring on his finger, and a feast in his honor!

That’s the God we serve! A God whose love is bigger than our failures, whose grace is greater than our regrets. He’s not putting you on probation—He’s putting His arms around you! He’s not keeping you at a distance—He’s running toward you!

So today, no matter how far you’ve gone, no matter what you’ve done, the Father’s house is open. The welcome is real. The celebration is waiting. All you have to do is take that step home!