In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15, verses 11 to 32, Jesus shares one of the most powerful and touching parables in the Bible: the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This story is not just about a rebellious son who squanders his inheritance but about a loving father who embodies grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
A Son Who Went Astray
The parable begins with a younger son demanding his share of the inheritance, a disrespectful and culturally inappropriate act. By doing so, he essentially declared that he wished his father were dead. After receiving the inheritance, he left home and squandered everything on reckless living. When a famine hit the land, the son found himself starving and working as a servant feeding pigs—an especially humiliating job for a Jewish man.
A Heart of Repentance
At his lowest point, the young man "came to himself" and decided to return home, not as a son, but as a servant, hoping his father might at least feed him. This moment of humility and self-awareness is the beginning of repentance—a recognition of one's mistakes and a desire to change.
A Father's Embrace
While the son was still far away, the father saw him, ran to him, and embraced him. This is one of the most beautiful images of God's love for us. The father didn’t wait to hear an apology; he ran, hugged, and kissed his son. He restored him immediately, ordering a celebration. This shows that God's grace is not earned—it is freely given.
The Older Brother’s Struggle
The older son, who had remained faithful, was angry and refused to join the celebration. His bitterness reveals a different kind of lostness—a heart that obeys without love and mercy. The father reminds him that everything he has is already his, but they must rejoice because the lost son is found.
The Message for Us
This parable teaches us that no one is beyond redemption. God is always waiting with open arms for us to return. Whether we identify with the rebellious younger son or the self-righteous older brother, the call is the same: return to the Father, and let His love transform your life.
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