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. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.’

Luke 15:20-22 (ESV)

These verses contain the main message of the story Jesus told to the crowd listening to him, and is the same message for us today. Through this familiar parable, Jesus revealed God the Father to those whose heart was open to receive spiritual truth. That same truth is for all to hear and the Holy Spirit will reveal what Jesus wanted all to know about the Father.

Just like the father who was lovingly waiting for his son to return, God is lovingly waiting for all to come to him in repentance. Ready to admit that our sin has made us all unworthy, and in true repentance, seek forgiveness. This Godly sorrow not only leads us to a change of heart and mind about our own sinfulness but also produces a recognition of God’s mercy toward us because of his great love. Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “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.”

Jesus demonstrated his Father’s love for us in his life and sacrificial death on the cross. Jesus willingly gave up his life so that all who believed in Him by faith will be saved. God’s love and forgiveness were demonstrated at the cross, and it is God’s love for us that put his Son Jesus on that cross. This has always been God’s plan from the very beginning even before creation.

This week, if you have received Jesus by faith, think about the immeasurable love of God and rejoice. If you have not accepted Jesus and the Holy Spirit is leading you to repentance and belief in the finished work of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, do not delay, receive God’s gift right now.