The Prodigal Son
Jesus addressed this parable to the Pharisees and scribes, portraying a younger son who demands his inheritance, wastes it in riotous living far from home, and returns destitute after feeding swine, only to be met by a father who runs to embrace him with compassion and restores him amid great rejoicing. The lavish celebration underscores God's joyful welcome of repentant sinners, while the elder brother's resentful refusal to join the feast warns against the self-righteousness that rejects such grace.
Jesus addressed this parable to the Pharisees and scribes, portraying a younger son who demands his inheritance, wastes it in riotous living far from home, and returns destitute after feeding swine, only to be met by a father who runs to embrace him with compassion and restores him amid great rejoicing. The lavish celebration underscores God's joyful welcome of repentant sinners, while the elder brother's resentful refusal to join the feast warns against the self-righteousness that rejects such grace. Within the redemptive narrative this account displays the Father's initiative in forgiveness, drawing the lost into restored fellowship rather than allowing pride to exclude them from the feast.
Category: Grace & Forgiveness
Meaning: God joyfully receives repentant sinners, and warns against the self-righteousness of the elder brother.
Audience: Pharisees & Scribes
Key Chapters
Key Passages
The Parable
Luke 15:11-32
This story shows God's loving heart, always ready to forgive and joyfully restore anyone who returns to Him.
11nd he said, A certain man had two sons:
Did You Know?
The younger son asking for his inheritance while his father was still alive was deeply insulting in that culture.
The father runs to meet the son. an undignified act for a patriarch, showing extravagant grace.
The older brother is angry at the father's mercy, revealing his own self-righteous 'slavery' in the father's house.
The story ends without resolving whether the older brother enters the feast. leaving the listener to decide.