Always a Place to Return: Discovering the Heart of the Father, Reflections on Luke 15:1–3, 11–32

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Bible Gateway passage: Luke 15 - New International Version

The Parable of the Lost Sheep - Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders

There’s a Korean Netflix drama that has recently gained global attention titled [When Life

Gives You Tangerines]. The title cleverly adapts the familiar English proverb, “When life

gives you lemons, make lemonade,” replacing lemons with tangerines—something more

familiar in Korean culture. The phrase reminds us to respond to hardship not with despair, but with hope and creativity. The drama follows the life journey of a married couple—from their childhood through to old age—centering especially on the father’s relationship with his daughter. Throughout her life, the father repeatedly tells her: “If things go wrong, you can always turn back. I got your back.” He says it during her first day of school, before her college entrance exams, and even on her wedding day. These words, while simple, offered a profound sense of comfort. Who among us doesn't long to hear something like that? To know that someone is always there for us, no matter what?

Interestingly, it was only when the daughter faced the greatest sorrow of her life—her

father’s passing—that she truly understood the depth of those words. It wasn’t just

encouragement; it was the promise of home, a place she could always return to. That

realization, that she had never been alone, became one of her life’s greatest blessings.

This idea echoes through one of Jesus' most well-known parables in Luke 15: the story of the prodigal son. Yet, more accurately, it’s the story of two lost sons. One leaves home to pursue a reckless life, squandering his inheritance. The other stays, dutifully serving his father, yet with a heart closed off, unable to experience the joy and freedom of being a son. Both sons, though in different ways, are estranged from their father—not because of where they live, but because they do not know his heart.

So, what led them away from their father? It was their failure to understand who he was, what he valued, and what brought him joy. Neither recognized the grace and love that had surrounded them all along. Isn’t that often true in our own lives? We focus on what we lack instead of seeing how much we’ve already been given. We compare ourselves to others, chase what seems better, and only realize the cost after we’ve lost something precious.

I remember experiencing this when I moved to the Philippines for high school. I constantly complained, envying peers who went to elite international schools. I saw only what I lacked. But now, looking back, I recognize what a gift those years were. The friendships, the simple joys, the lessons learned in the “in-between” moments—those are treasures I wouldn’t trade for anything. I regret not cherishing them while I had them.

And yet, I still make the same mistake. I get caught up in comparison and discontent. I pursue what I think I need, only to find myself missing what truly matters. Maybe you can relate.

In verse 16 of today’s passage, the younger son—having lost everything—finds himself

longing to eat the pods given to pigs. These pods, sometimes called carob pods or goat horn pods, were animal feed and only consumed by the poor in times of famine. Ancient rabbis in Israel used to say, “When Israel eats carob pods, they will repent.” In other words, when we hit rock bottom, we finally recognize what we’ve taken for granted—and turn back.

But the turning back is only the beginning. The beauty of this parable is found not just in the son’s return, but in the father’s response. The father sees him from a distance, runs to him, embraces him, and kisses him. The son, filled with shame, offers to become a servant. But the father won't hear of it—he restores him as a son and throws a feast in his honor. The older brother, however, refuses to join the celebration. He’s angry and bitter, feeling overlooked despite his years of service. He, too, never fully grasped his father's love. Though he remained at home, his heart was distant. He saw himself more as a worker than a beloved son.

In the end, both sons were lost—one by leaving, and the other by staying without love.

Jesus told this story to reveal the true heart of God. God is not a distant ruler keeping score but a compassionate Father who waits for us, runs to us, and celebrates our return. Whether we’ve wandered far or stayed close yet cold-hearted, the invitation is the same: Come home. You are still My child.

So let me ask: What are you focused on today? Are you living with gratitude for God’s grace, or are you caught in the trap of comparison and dissatisfaction? Are you aware of the Father’s love for you—or are you still trying to earn it?

Whatever our circumstances, there is always a place for us to return to. Our heavenly Father’s arms are always open. His love never runs out, and His grace never expires.

Let us not wait until we’ve lost everything to recognize what we already have. May we learn to live now with thankful hearts, to seek the Father’s heart more deeply, and to find joy in being His children.

A Prayer for the Journey Home

Gracious and loving Father,

We come before You today with hearts that long for Your presence. You are the faithful

Father who never stops loving us, even when we wander away. Thank You for the countless blessings You have already given us, for the grace that sustains us, and for the love that welcomes us home no matter how far we have strayed.

Lord, forgive us when we focus on what we lack rather than on the abundance of Your grace. Too often, we let complaints and worries cloud our hearts instead of living in gratitude for all that You have provided. Help us to fix our eyes not on our shortcomings but on Your faithfulness. Remind us that we have a home in You, a place where we are always loved, accepted, and embraced.

When we face difficulties and seasons of emptiness, teach us to remember that You are our refuge and strength. Draw us back to You, Lord. Fill our hearts with the joy of knowing that You are a Father who runs toward us with open arms, celebrating our return. May we not only receive Your love but also reflect it, sharing Your grace with those who feel lost and alone. Help us, O God, to know Your heart more deeply. May we walk in the assurance of Your love, live with gratitude, and trust that in You, we have everything we need.

In the name of Jesus, who welcomes the lost and restores the broken, we pray. Amen.

© 2025 Pastor Jin Ko. All rights reserved.