“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ–by grace you have been saved–and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 2:4-7 (ESV)

How many of us truly understand and fully comprehend the love of God? For many religious people, God is demanding, requiring strict adherence to many rules. Even followers of Christ may struggle with knowing just how immeasurable the love and goodness of God is. What could be the reason for this?

God has given us evidence of His great love for all mankind in His Son Jesus. Jesus revealed the love of His Father to those who heard His messages given in a parable. One such parable was about two sons. Jesus used this parable to reveal His Father’s love.

This story is found in Luke 15:11-32. One son demanded his father give him his inheritance and left home to spend it all for pleasure. When in utter ruin, he realized that his father’s servants were better off than he was. He decided to go home, beg for mercy, and become a servant.  What he discovered that he failed to see before was the tremendous love of his father. The father longed for his son to return, and when seen from a distance, ran to him, wrapped his arms around him in love, and completely restored him to prominence as if he never left. 

The other son who faithfully toiled for his father was very upset with his father’s response toward his brother. He felt that his hard work was not properly rewarded. Both sons failed to see the love of their father because they were centered on themselves.

This parable is just as relevant for us today. Whether we are weighed down with guilt over our own sinfulness or proud of our good deeds, we like these two sons fail to see and understand God’s love. God demonstrated his love for all by sending His Son Jesus to pay the penalty for sin by His crucifixion. Forgiveness and restoration are found only in believing and receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior, not in our own goodness.

This week, search God’s word with a focus not on ourselves, but on knowing God. Discover just how much He loves us and desires to have a relationship with us as His child through Christ Jesus.