And he said, "There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. Luke 15:11–14 (RSV)
I suspect that anyone reading this passage from St. Luke will be able to finish the parable from memory. It is one of the most familiar and cherished teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.
We tend to focus on the son who wanders off. The parable is commonly called the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In reality, it the father who is the proper focus of this parable.
The father's actions at first glance seem off. His son comes to him, demanding his share of the father's wealth. The son is saying, 'Dad, I wish you were dead.' What could have been the beginning of a bitter estrangement ends with the father dividing 'his living' between his boys. He gave away what he needed to live on, his life if you will.
Shortly after, the younger son leaves, taking his share of the father's living with him. The father lets him go. It is among one of the most painful things to watch a child make a mistake that will hurt them as a parent. The father has already absorbed the hostility of the son who demanded his cut. He now watches as his son turns his back, walking away.
The father loves his son. He loves him and, because of his love, will let his son go his own way. He could have refused to give the inheritance. He could have demanded the son stay. He could have kept the son at home. The father knew he would lose his son if he denied his son. The father loved his son so much that he was willing to let him go.
Our Father in heaven loves us with a love that will risk losing us rather than forcing Himself on us. His love is such that He will let us wander to the far country of sin if we think it is where we will find our freedom.
Our Father's treasure is His Son, Jesus. He gives His Son for our salvation. We may squander this treasure by turning away from Him. However, the Father never ceases to love us. He longs to have us return and rejoices when we finally come to ourselves and return home.