“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with
compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
Luke 15:20 NIV.

In doing my research for this article, I searched for “best fathers in the Bible.” If I
asked you to name the “best fathers in the Bible” you would probably offer names such
as Joseph – the adoptive father of Jesus, perhaps Abraham – father of the Jewish
nation, or Jacob – father of the twelve that became the tribes of Israel. The list of
fathers named in the Bible is extensive and far too long.

My favorite Biblical father is not named. In fact, this father may not have existed in real
life. This father may only have been a character in a parable that Jesus used to teach a
gathering of tax collectors and sinners. This father has been called the “Loving
Father” or the “Forgiving Father.” We know him from the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

You know the story so well that I need not repeat it for you. But here is what I notice
about the father in Jesus’s own telling of the story. In Luke 15:20, we are told “”But
while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for
him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” This implies that
the father was hopefully watching for his son’s return. Not just watching, but longing
for his return and keeping all of his affection ready to express when he had the
moment.

Later, the son tries to deliver his well-rehearsed speech explaining his circumstances
and make his request of his father. The son doesn’t have time to finish before the
father without hesitation, and wholeheartedly accepts him back. The father orders the
servants to dress him in a fine robe, a ring, sandals, and to slaughter the “fatted calf”
for a celebratory meal. What the father does next is also instructive – he gently and
lovingly explains to his older son why a celebration of the younger son’s return was
necessary.

This Loving Father, this Forgiving Father, is what all fathers should be. Oh sure,
fathers are called upon to fulfill many other Biblical examples such as Provider,
Teacher, and Healer – and we dads pride ourselves on the roles we’ve assumed. But
God our Father is the most powerful example of what it means to be a dad. God’s love
for humanity is shown throughout the Bible. God’s most selfless act, done out of pure
love for His creation, was His decision to send Jesus His Son to die for the sins of
mankind.

We thank God for the love of our earthly fathers,
and for His fatherly love for us.
Yours in Christ, Scott Cunningham