The younger son “came to his senses” (17, literally “came to himself”), meaning he had given himself over to experience stimuli, a type of madness of the soul (heart, will, and mind). Now, he retook control of his soul. He decided to return to his father, knowing not what awaited him. He hoped to experience the presence of his father, for he knew his father was good and loving.
When the father first caught sight of his younger son, he was filled with joy (20b), a response Jesus taught about in the previous two parables. This is a beautiful description, the image of his father’s happening to see him clad in rags, poor, and emaciated, and yet he recognized his son, and all the warm feelings of a father prompted him to go and embrace him.
The comfort of the embrace of a forgiving heavenly Father warms the soul and delights the spirit. Rest is His name. Peace is His presence. Love is his heart. The energy in the kiss of our passionate heavenly Father straightens the bent back and washes the soiled soul. Everlasting Father is His name. Power is His presence. Holy is his heart.
“Father, I have sinned,” is the only anticipated response. “I was worthy to be your son. I no longer am worth. Through my submission to sin and darkness, I died.”
“You are now alive again.” The Father has the power to raise to life, that which is dead.
