The Lost Son Comes Home

Jesus loved to tell stories that showed how deeply our Heavenly Father cares for us. He told of a father who had two sons. One day, the younger son packed his bags and asked for his share of the inheritance early, eager to see the bright lights of far-off cities.

In the distant land, the young man spent every penny on frivolous parties and flashy toys. When his pockets were empty, his fair-weather friends disappeared. A famine hit the land, and he found himself shivering in muddy fields, feeding pigs and longing even for their corn husks.

Sitting in the mud, he remembered his father’s gentle house: "Even my father’s hired servants have bread to spare! I will go home, say I am sorry, and ask to work as a humble laborer." He dusted off his worn clothes and began the long journey home.

While he was still far down the road, his father saw him. The father had been watching the horizon every single day. Filled with pure compassion, the father ran down the hill, wrapped his arms around his son, and embraced him with tears of joy. "Bring the finest robe and let us celebrate, for my child was lost and is found!"