“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.”
In plain words: Jesus tells of a son who headed home after making a mess of things. His father spotted him far away, felt deep love for him, ran to meet him, and hugged and kissed him.
What Luke 15:20 means.
In Jesus’ story of the lost son, the father saw him coming from far away and ran to him. That’s how God responds when you come home.
Common questions about Luke 15:20
Who are the father and the son in this story?
Jesus told this story in Luke 15:11-24. A younger son asks for his share of the family money, leaves home, and wastes it all. He ends up hungry and alone, taking care of pigs. Then he decides to go back to his father. In the story, the father stands for God, and the son stands for any of us who have wandered away. Jesus tells it to show what God is like. He is not waiting with his arms crossed. He is watching the road, hoping we will come back.
Apply it today: Read Luke 15:11-24 slowly today and notice what the father does.
What if I have done things I am ashamed of? Will God still welcome me?
The son in the story had even practiced a speech about how unworthy he was. But the father ran to him before he could finish it. The Bible says the same thing plainly in 1 John 1:9: when we admit our sins to God, He forgives us. The Bible calls this turning around "repentance." It just means being honest about what you did and turning back toward God. This welcome comes because of what Jesus did on the cross. It is not a prize for people who behave well.
Apply it today: Tell God honestly about one thing you are carrying, and ask Him to forgive you through Jesus.
What does it look like to come home to God?
Notice the first words of the verse: the son got up and went. He did not wait to clean himself up first. He simply turned toward home. Coming to God works the same way. You do not need special words or a church building. You can talk to Him in your own words, right where you are. Romans 10:13 says everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. The first step is small: turn toward Him and say, "I need You." He takes it from there.
Apply it today: Take two quiet minutes today to talk to God in your own words, and tell Him you want to come home.
Ask anything about it.
Every question gets a clear answer in seconds, and a way to live it today.
Live it today.
Take one step toward God today. He’s already running toward you.
Pray it back.
Father, I’m coming home. Thank You for running to me.
Carry it all day.
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One verse every morning at 7 a.m. your time. Leave any time.