Jesus As A Suffering Father For You!

Due to our fallen human nature we are in total hatred of the true and living God. When examining the world’s religions we see each one is based on a common sense view of a god, if they have one at all.

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

(Luke 15:20 ESV)

The above line is taken from the parable Jesus taught the “Prodigal son.” The story goes that one of a man’s two sons told him to give him his share of the inheritance. In effect he wanted the father to drop dead for an inheritance only happens after one has died.

Letting the son have this inheritance is not good advice for raising children. It is actually a ridiculous and unreasonable story that speaks to our Lord’s love for the sinner. In that society a request of that nature would possibly had the brat stoned to death. The father was a well-to-do land owner and would be expected to abide by the law of the land. In our society we do not stone our brat children but can disinherit them legally in response to such a display of hatred and contempt.

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.’”
(Luke 15:17-19 ESV)

Now we have the lad starting to use his brain. However, this is still showing contempt for his father. He is returning home to become a well paid and cared for servant. Even in his statement to the father one can see the manipulation he is planning on using.

This parable is an earthly story with an earthly meaning. This shows how Jesus goes about doing his Lord and Savior job. In return for the contempt we show him by sinning against him he greets us with grace and the forgiveness of sin. This is not the type of God we actually want. It is an insult to us who would never expect that treatment from anyone on this earth. This is shown by the attitude of the other brother.

Jesus took our sinful contempt for him to the cross, had it nailed to the cross with him and we are no longer held accountable for that sin. We continue, no matter how hard we try, to show contempt for God by our sin. If we notice avoiding an actual sin we are filled with pride at how we have improved or how much better we are than others. Through trusting in this strong promise we have been justified through that trusting. No works are necessary from us to have this justification.

Trust this good news and live in its peace. Amen †