WHAT JESUS' FOLLOWERS LEARNED ABOUT REPENTANCE

 In the first century C.E., the time had come for the Messiah to arrive. As mentioned in the preceding article, Jehovah used both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ to teach people how important it is to repent. - MATTHEW 3:1, 2l 4:17.

Throughout his ministry, Jesus taught his listeners about his Father's forgiving nature. Jesus did so in a striking way when he gave the parable of the lost son. That young man chose to pursue a sinful way of life for some time. Yet, he "came to his senses" and returned home. How did the father respond? Jesus said that while the son "was a still a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was moved with pity, and he ran and embraced him and tenderly kissed him." The son intended to ask if he could become a servant his father's household, but his father called him "this son of mine " and restored his place in the family.  The father said: "He was lost and has been found." (Luke 15:11-32) When Jesus lived in heaven before coming to earth, he had surely seen his Father show such compassion toward countless sinners. What a heartwarming  and reassuring picture Jesus painted of our merciful Father, Jehovah!

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