The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–24) captures the journey of shame and guilt and the ultimately hopeful arc of us turning back toward God, our Heavenly Father.
In the Methodist tradition, we believe in Prevenient Grace—the grace that seeks us out before we even know we need it—and Justifying Grace, which welcomes us home just as we are.
The younger son demands his father’s inheritance, even wishing his father dead. He leaves home, squanders everything in reckless living, and finds himself feeding pigs—humiliated and hungry. Finally, he “comes to himself.” He realizes how wonderful life was back home and immediately makes a decision to return. Not as a son, but as a servant.
With shame, he practices the speech he will tell his father: “I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”
While he is still far off, his father sees him, is filled with compassion, and runs toward him. In the ancient world, respected men would not run because they had to uphold their dignity. But the father runs to his son, not minding his dignity. This is how much he loves his son and rejoices to see him coming home! The father does not wait for the son to finish his rehearsed apology; he embraces his son, covers him with a robe, puts a ring on him, and throws a massive celebration to welcome him home.
A robe: covering his shame.
A ring: restoring his identity.
The sandals: signifying freedom, not slavery.
A feast: celebrating resurrection.
The father says, “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, felt his heart “strangely warmed” when he finally realized he didn’t have to earn his way into God’s favor. Like the prodigal son, Wesley moved from the “spirit of bondage” to the “spirit of adoption.”
This Lent, let us ask ourselves: What is the one habit that has distanced me from God? Where have I wandered from God? Am I trying to work my way back to God as a servant, or am I ready to be embraced as a child?
We don’t need to live in guilt and shame. When we come to our senses, God is already running toward us, looking for us with wide-open arms. Lent is about coming home to God.
Prayer:
Gracious God, like the younger son, I have often looked for life in places that leave me empty. I thank You that Your grace is swifter than my wandering. As I journey through this Lenten season, help me to “come to myself.” Give me the courage to come home this Lent. Clothe me again in Your grace. Teach me to live as Your beloved child. Amen.
