Prodigal son
Summary
The parable of the prodigal son illustrates God's lavish mercy toward repentant sinners and rebukes the self-righteous who resent such grace.
☩The Younger Son's Journey
The younger son demanded his inheritance, departed to a far country, and squandered everything in reckless living. Reduced to feeding pigs—the lowest occupation for a Jew—he 'came to himself' and resolved to return home, confessing his sin and requesting only to be treated as a hired servant. His repentance was genuine: he acknowledged sin against heaven and his father.
☩The Father's Welcome
While the son was still far off, the father saw him, had compassion, ran to meet him, embraced and kissed him. Before the son could finish his confession, the father called for the best robe, a ring, sandals, and a feast with the fattened calf. The father declared: 'This my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' This pictures God's eager reception of every repentant sinner.
☩The Elder Brother's Response
The elder brother, representing the self-righteous Pharisees who criticized Jesus for receiving sinners, refused to join the celebration. He complained of his years of faithful service without reward while his brother's return occasioned lavish celebration. The father's gentle rebuke reminds him that all he has belongs to the son, but joy over a lost one found is fitting and necessary.
Related Verses1 mention
Luke· 1 verse
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Prodigal Son," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).