The Prodigal Son

The Prodigal Son is a parable that Jesus taught, and instead of summarizing it I will give the direct passage from Luke 15:11, “And he said there was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, “Father give me the share of property that is coming to me.” And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, “How many of my fathers hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill is, and let us eat and celebrate.”

            “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, “your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back and safe and sound.” But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father “Look these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!” And he said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for your brother was dead, and is alive; He was lost and is found.”

            The Prodigal Son contains a message that tells us of the power of forgiveness and mercy. The way I see it, we can be like the younger son who rebels and runs away and lives recklessly, but when we come back to God he is always waiting to embrace us and give us a second chance. This does not mean we will not have consequences for our deeds but it does show just how much the Lord loves every one of us.