But he was restored to full sonship. Notice that shoes were waiting of the exact size he wore. Notice that the robe was tailor made to fit him. How obvious that the loving father fully expected him to return and pre-planned his reinstatement into complete son hood. The father believed that the backslider would come back.
Good fathers expect the best from their children.
Everything is prepared for our heavenly homecoming. All heaven is waiting. Sturdy, well fitting polished shoes were placed on those tired but freshly bathed feet. The road of life is rough. Along its path there are roots and thorns and rocks jutting out and sharp flint to cut the feet.