Martin Luther spoke of the theology of the cross, a theology centered around humbling and identifying ourselves as sinners condemned to die. From the foot of the cross, we cry out to God for His mercy and grace. This is where David found himself when his own sins against God led to destruction in Israel – pleading for mercy. The Prodigal Son in today's reading returns to his father - weighed down by his own shame and guilt. His farther runs to him with open arms, celebrating his son's return. "For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found." Just as this man's father showed mercy, our heavenly Father shows us that same mercy, through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. His Word of mercy is to all who are destroyed under the tyranny of shame and guilt.