“But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him” (Luke 15:20, NKJV). This is the father in the parable of the prodigal son, watching for his son’s return even before he arrives.
Still a great way off suggests the father was already watching, already ready to run, before the son had even fully returned or explained himself.
Ran is a striking detail for a culture where dignified men didn’t run. This father’s compassion overrides dignity entirely, sprinting to reach his son.
If you’ve been picturing God waiting at a distance, arms crossed, for your own return, this verse offers a different image entirely, one already running toward you.