What is the parable of the Prodigal Son?

The parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the most well-known and deeply meaningful teachings of Jesus. Found in Luke 15:11-32, this parable illustrates the boundless grace, mercy, and love of God toward sinners. It highlights the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and restoration, revealing God’s desire to reconcile lost sinners to Himself.

This parable is part of a series of three stories in Luke 15, where Jesus teaches about God’s joy when a sinner repents. The first is the Parable of the Lost Sheep, where a shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one that is lost. The second is the Parable of the Lost Coin, where a woman diligently searches for a single lost coin. The third and most detailed parable is that of the Prodigal Son, which provides a rich illustration of God’s compassion and a warning against self-righteousness.

The Setting of the Parable

Jesus told this parable in response to the criticism of the Pharisees and scribes, who complained that He welcomed sinners and ate with them. Luke 15:1-2 states:

“Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, ‘This Man receives sinners and eats with them.’” (Luke 15:1-2, NKJV)

In response, Jesus shared three parables to emphasize God’s joy over repentant sinners. The Parable of the Prodigal Son is the most profound of the three, offering a vivid picture of a wayward son’s fall and redemption.

The Story of the Prodigal Son

Jesus begins the parable by introducing a man with two sons:

“Then He said: ‘A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.” So he divided to them his livelihood.’” (Luke 15:11-12, NKJV)

The Son’s Rebellion

In biblical times, a son would normally receive his inheritance after his father’s death. However, the younger son demanded his share early, essentially wishing his father were dead. Despite this disrespect, the father granted his request, allowing him to take his inheritance and leave.

“And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.” (Luke 15:13, NKJV)

The term “prodigal” means wasteful or reckless. The younger son squandered his inheritance in sinful living, indulging in pleasures that left him empty and broken.

The Son’s Desperation

After spending everything, a famine struck the land, and he found himself in deep need.

“But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.” (Luke 15:14, NKJV)

He took the lowest job possible—feeding pigs, an unclean animal according to Jewish law. This detail emphasizes his utter disgrace and desperation.

“Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.” (Luke 15:15-16, NKJV)

Hunger, loneliness, and regret filled his heart. At his lowest point, he realized how much better life had been in his father’s house.

The Son’s Repentance

Seeing his hopeless condition, he decided to return home, not as a son but as a servant.

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’” (Luke 15:17-19, NKJV)

His repentance was genuine. He acknowledged his sin, recognized his unworthiness, and desired only to serve.

The Father’s Forgiveness

As the son returned home, expecting rejection, his father did something astonishing.

“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20, NKJV)

The father had been watching for his son, eager to welcome him back. Instead of waiting for the son to apologize, he ran toward him—an undignified act for an elderly man in that culture. His embrace and kiss symbolized full forgiveness and restoration.

The Son’s Confession

The son confessed his sin as he had planned:

“And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” (Luke 15:21, NKJV)

Yet, before he could finish his request to become a servant, the father interrupted with a joyous command.

The Father’s Restoration

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15:22-24, NKJV)

Each action carried meaning:

• The best robe symbolized honor.
• The ring represented authority and sonship.
• The sandals signified restoration, as servants often went barefoot.
• The fatted calf was reserved for celebrations, showing the father’s overwhelming joy.

The Elder Brother’s Resentment

While the father celebrated, the older son reacted differently.

“Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’” (Luke 15:25-27, NKJV)

Instead of rejoicing, the older son became angry and refused to join the celebration.

“But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.” (Luke 15:28, NKJV)

The elder son saw himself as righteous and felt superior to his brother. He resented his father’s grace, revealing a self-righteous attitude similar to that of the Pharisees.

The father lovingly corrected him:

“And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’” (Luke 15:31-32, NKJV)

The father’s response emphasized the need to celebrate redemption rather than harbor resentment.

The Meaning of the Parable

God’s Grace and Forgiveness

The father represents God, who welcomes repentant sinners with open arms. No sin is too great for His mercy.

The Joy of Repentance

Jesus highlighted that heaven rejoices when a sinner repents, mirroring the father’s joy over his son’s return.

The Danger of Self-Righteousness

The older brother symbolizes the Pharisees, who resented God’s grace toward sinners. This serves as a warning against spiritual pride.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a powerful message of God’s love, the necessity of repentance, and the joy of restoration. It invites all to recognize their need for God’s grace and to rejoice in the redemption of others. No matter how far one has strayed, God is always ready to forgive and restore those who return to Him.