The Son Who Came Home

Jesus told a story about a father with two sons.

The younger son said, 'Dad, I want my share of your money NOW!'

This was really rude—like saying he wished his dad was dead! But the father gave him the money.

The young man left home and went far away. He spent ALL his money on parties and silly stuff. Soon it was ALL GONE.

Then a terrible famine came. No food anywhere! The young man was SO hungry. The only job he could find was feeding pigs. He was so hungry he wanted to eat the pig food!

Finally, he thought, 'What am I DOING? My dad's servants have more food than me! I'll go home and say I'm sorry. Maybe Dad will let me be a servant.'

He started walking home, practicing his apology.

But while he was still FAR AWAY, his father SAW him coming! The father didn't wait. He RAN down the road! He hugged his son and kissed him!

'Father, I've sinned,' the son started to say. 'I don't deserve to be your son—'

But the father interrupted. 'Servants! Bring the best robe! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! Let's have a PARTY! My son was lost, but now he's FOUND!'

The father didn't care about the money. He just wanted his son back.

This is how God feels about YOU! No matter how far you've wandered or how badly you've messed up, God is waiting with open arms. When you come back to Him, He celebrates!