Stories of God's Love and Forgiveness

Jesus used many parables in His teaching, but one of the most famous was about a wayward son whom his father forgave and a selfish brother who didn't understand.

As Jesus traveled around Galilee and Judea, He told more than 50 parables. Sometimes, they were hard to understand, sometimes easy. One day, He told these easy-to-understand stories among others.

“A man had two sons. His younger son spoke to him. ‘Father, I want my inheritance right now.’

“So the father divided the property between them. Soon, the younger son packed his bags and left for a faraway land, where he quickly wasted all he had. When he was out of money, that country suffered a drought, which made food scarce for everyone, including him. He started to work for someone there, slopping pigs out in the fields. He was so hungry he would have eaten the pig slop, but no one gave him any.

“Then he came to his senses. He said, ‘The farmhands that work for my father have plenty to eat while I’m starving to death. I’m getting up out of this mess and going back to my father. I’ll tell him I have sinned against God and against him and that I don’t deserve to be called his son. I’ll ask him to take me on as a hired hand.’ So he got up and started home.

“While still a long way off, the father saw his son. Filled with love, he ran to, embraced, and kissed him. The son began the speech he had planned: ‘Father, I have sinned against God and against you; I don’t deserve to be called your son—’

“Ignoring the speech, the father called to his servants, ‘Quick. Bring the finest clothes we have and dress him, including a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. Then, prepare a special meal with one of the calves we are raising. We’re going to feast and celebrate because my son is here, who I thought was dead but is truly alive! He was hopelessly lost and now is found!’ So they began the party.

“Meanwhile, his older son was working in the field. At quitting time, he came in. Approaching the house, he heard music and dancing. ‘What’s going on?’ he asked a houseboy. ‘Your brother is back! Your father ordered a big party with roast beef to celebrate his safe return.’

“This upset the older brother; he refused to join the party. His father came out and tried to talk to him, to no avail.

“‘I faithfully served you all these years without creating a single problem, but you never threw a party for me and my friends! But this son of yours who squandered your money on prostitutes shows up, and you go all out!’

“‘No, no, dear son, you don’t get it. I’m so glad you’re always with me, and everything I have is yours. But it is only right to celebrate this happy day. Your brother was dead, and now he's alive! He was lost, but now he’s found!’”

Jesus told another story to some who had confidence in their own moral performance and scorned others:

“A Pharisee and a tax collector went up to the temple to pray. The Pharisee stood alone and prayed like this: ‘Oh, God, I thank you that I am not a sinner like other people—thieves, cheats, adulterers—and especially like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give 10 percent of my income.’

“In contrast, the tax collector, hidden in the shadows, head bowed in shame, beating on his chest, said, ‘God, I beg for mercy. I’m a sinner in need of forgiveness.’”

“Understand this: The tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home right with God. Those who lift themselves up in pride will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be lifted up.”