The heart of God the Father is more gracious and compassionate than we can imagine. To illustrate this truth and to correct the self-righteous grumbling of the Pharisees over Christ's friendship with sinners, He told a series of three parables about lost things: a sheep, a coin, and a son. In the third parable, Jesus masterfully crafts a storyline that amazes sinners and scandalizes the self-righteous. The younger son dishonors his father by recklessly squandering his portion of the inheritance and the family's livelihood. He dishonors his Jewish heritage and violates the law of Moses by his immoral and profane lifestyle. He reaches a point where he is starving to death, tending pigs, and longing for home. He comes to his senses and heads home in the hope that his father would hire him on as a common laborer. He knows he's no longer worthy to be called a son. Remarkably, the father welcomes him with open arms and tender heart. The father throws a lavish celebration because the lost son, who has been as good as dead, has been found. The father is a beautiful picture of God in Heaven. Truth is we're all in need of God's compassion and restorative grace. There is not one of us who has walked the straight and narrow perfectly. Every one of us has abandoned God the Father in acts of treasonous rebellion. But for those who turn to Him, there is not only forgiveness, there is a robe from His closet, a ring from His treasure, and celabratory feast to be enjoyed. God the Father rejoices over His children who come home.