In The Prodigal God review, Timothy Keller unlocks the profound message of the parable of the prodigal son. The father’s action reflects God’s boundless and unconditional love. Keller’s interpretation challenges us to see this story as a deep revelation of God’s heart.

A Radical Welcome 

The father’s response to the younger son shocks readers. The son rebels, squanders his inheritance, and lives recklessly. When he returns, the father runs to meet him. In ancient cultures, this was undignified for a man of his status. He embraces his son, clothes him in delicate garments, and throws a feast.

God comes to us while we are still far off. Keller explains that this grace overturns human ideas of earning favor. It’s a radical, unconditional welcome.

A Priceless Love

Forgiveness always comes at a cost. In the parable, the father absorbs the financial loss of his younger son’s actions. He doesn’t demand repayment or retribution. Instead, he restores the son to his family.

Keller compares this to Christ’s sacrifice. Just as the father bore the cost of the son’s rebellion, God bears the cost of our sin through Jesus. This act of grace highlights the depth of God’s love. It is not cheaper or casual but rooted in profound sacrifice.

Love for the Elder Brother, Too 

The father’s love doesn’t end with the younger son. The elder brother, angry and resentful, refuses to join the celebration. He believes his obedience should earn him more favor than his reckless sibling.

But the father reaches out to the son as well, pleading with him to come inside and join the family. This act beautifully illustrates God’s love for the self-righteous. Keller highlights in his summary that God longs for both the rebellious and the moralistic to come home.

In The Prodigal God, the father in the parable embodies God’s unconditional love. He forgives the rebellious and reaches out to the self-righteous. He celebrates the return of the lost. Keller reminds us this love is transformative.

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