Luke 15:20
Luke 15:2020So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
JWs cite as evidence of Jehovah's willingness to receive the repentant. The verse is read as confirmation that Jehovah forgives those who turn back, and is sometimes used in the context of reinstatement applications to encourage disfellowshipped members who are pursuing restoration. The father's running and embracing is acknowledged but typically subordinated to the broader Watchtower framework of demonstrating repentance to the elders before being received back.
is the load-bearing verse of the prodigal parable. The father catches sight of the son while he is still a long way off, is moved with pity, runs, embraces, and kisses him — all before the son finishes his rehearsed confession (compare vv. 18-19, 21). The father's movement is preemptive grace. He is not waiting at a tribunal evaluating the rehearsed account; he is on the road to meet the returning son. Pair this verse with (the confident approach to a throne of grace), (the Son sent not to condemn but to save), and (Christ died for us while we were still sinners). On the doorstep — especially with a Witness who has been through reinstatement, or who carries shame about a past judicial proceeding — this verse names the gospel: the Father runs while the sinner is still a long way off. He does not audit; he embraces. That is the throne of grace, and it is not optional or rare; it is the standing posture of God toward the one returning to him.