Holy Bible Online 
The Parable of the Prodigal Son, taught by Jesus and recorded in Luke 15:11-32, is a rich narrative about forgiveness and the unconditional love of God. In this story, a young man decides to leave his home and family to explore the world, taking with him his share of the inheritance. However, after squandering everything in a life of excess, he finds himself in despair and misery. Recognizing his mistake, he decides to return to his father's house, hoping to at least be accepted as a servant.
Surprisingly, his father welcomes him with open arms and a celebration, symbolizing God's warm and forgiving love. Meanwhile, his older brother, who stayed at home and followed all the rules, resents this warm reception for the brother who left and squandered everything.
This story is not just about the return of those who have strayed but also about how we receive those who return after failing. While the younger son represents those who recognize their mistakes and seek forgiveness, the older son symbolizes those who, despite being physically present, are emotionally and spiritually distant from God.
The parable teaches us about God's love and forgiveness and challenges us to reflect on our own capacity to forgive and celebrate the recovery of others. Each character teaches us about different attitudes toward life, repentance, and forgiveness, encouraging deep reflection on our own actions and prejudices.
“Prodigal Son” means someone who is “lost,” “ruined,” or “absent,” not just physically, but also in relation to values and family love.
In the story, the term “prodigal son” clearly refers to the younger son, whose wasteful and reckless behavior led him to squander his inheritance in pursuit of a life of pleasure away from his father. However, this expression can also characterize the older son, who, despite being in his father's house, did not truly know him, remaining distant from his love and genuine communion.
Furthermore, the parable invites us to reflect on what kind of “prodigal son” we are today. On one side, we have the younger son, who strayed, wasted everything, and, feeling remorse, returned home. On the other hand, we find the older son, who, while remaining in his father's house, lived distant in spirit, with indifference and resentment.
In summary, the important lessons of this parable speak to us about gratitude and satisfaction in God, humility, forgiveness, and unconditional love for the lost who return to God's presence. Just as we receive divine mercy, we must also offer it to all who turn to Him. Just as God is always available to those who seek Him, we should rejoice with the repentant who bring joy to the Father's heart.
Explanation of the Parable of the Prodigal Son
The parable of the prodigal son, found in Luke 15:11-32, is one of Jesus' most well-known stories and carries profound lessons about love, forgiveness, and the grace of God.
The younger son asked for his inheritance in advance, which he would only receive after his father's death, and left in search of adventures and pleasures. However, this pursuit away from his father's home turned out to be a great illusion.
He wanted to enjoy and indulge in life momentarily, without thinking about the consequences, taking advantage of everything his father had to offer. Blinded by desire, he made an foolish request and embarked on a journey to satisfy his whims.
Like him, we can also be seduced by fleeting desires, distancing ourselves from God, our Eternal Father, in search of things that, in the end, are empty and meaningless.
When everything starts to go wrong, the younger son repents and decides to return to ask for his father's forgiveness. The father, in turn, was immensely happy and wanted to celebrate the return of his lost son.
At this point in the story, the character of the older son emerges. Although he remained in his father's house, he did not truly love him; he also desired earthly rewards. He became angry when his father welcomed and forgave the lost son.
Explanation of the Elements of the Parable
The "Prodigal Son" presents an interesting representation of the condition of many children of God. Here is an explanation of some key elements of the parable:
1. Characters:
- The Father: Represents God, full of love, patience, and forgiveness, who joyfully receives repentant children.
- The Younger Son: Symbolizes those who drift away from God, living selfishly in sin, seeking to satisfy their own desires.
- The Older Son: Represents those who remain in God's house but may become proud, resentful, and legalistic (thinking they are self-justified by their own actions).
2. Meaning of "Prodigal Son":
The term "Prodigal Son" is often used to describe someone who, after making mistakes or distancing themselves from their family, community, or values, seeks forgiveness, reconciliation, or a second chance. In the story, the term is generally associated with the younger son, who gets lost and is later found, symbolizing redemption and forgiveness.
However, in the context of the biblical parable, this expression can have a broader meaning. The older son can also be considered "prodigal" or lost because, although he was physically in his father's house, he remained distant from the love and acceptance of his father. He viewed his father more as a stern boss than as a loving parent, serving him faithfully but without an intimate and true relationship.
3. The Younger Son's Request – the Inheritance:
The younger son asks for his share of the inheritance and departs for a distant land. This request is shocking, as in Jewish culture, it was akin to wishing for the father's death. The son wanted complete independence and chose to live his way, away from his father's guidance and protection.
In both ancient times and today, a child asking a living parent for their share of the inheritance was thoughtless, bold, and offensive. The Greeks typically divided the inheritance equally among the children; however, the Jews would give the double portion to the older son compared to the younger.
4. Life Away from the Father and the Fall:
After squandering all his inheritance in a life of excess and immorality, the younger son faces a great crisis and scarcity. There was a severe famine in the land, and he ends up working as a swineherd, which would be humiliating for a Jew, as pigs were considered unclean. His situation symbolizes the emptiness and misery that result from a life away from God.
5. Carob Pods:
This food was generally intended for pasture animals and served raw. According to scholars, people only ate this in situations of extreme hunger. For Jesus' listeners, it would certainly be strange and repulsive for a man to desire to eat pig food.
6. Repentance and the Return Home:
Tired of his condition, the son decides to return home, acknowledging that he has sinned against his father and against heaven. He does not expect to be treated as a son but as a servant. This moment of repentance shows the importance of recognizing our mistakes and returning to God with humility.
7. The Father's Reaction:
When the son was still a long way off, the father saw him and ran to meet him. In Jewish society, it was strange for an elderly man to run, perhaps even a shameful act. Since they wore long garments, he would have to lift the hem of his robe to run properly.
This demonstrates the father's readiness to reunite with his son, just as God longs to forgive and restore anyone who repents. The father not only forgives but also restores the son to his original position as a son (gifting him with clothes, a ring, and sandals), celebrating his return with a great feast.
8. The Older Son's Reaction:
The attitude of the older brother is completely different from that of the father. Upon learning of the celebration, he becomes resentful and refuses to participate. The older son represents those who, while remaining outwardly faithful, may harbor feelings of pride and superiority.
He believes he deserves more recognition for his loyalty, but the father reminds him that everything he has already belongs to him and that he should rejoice at his brother's return.
The Lessons of the Parable of the Prodigal Son
There are many precious teachings in this parable, one of the most important being the necessity of repentance and returning to the welcoming arms of God, leaving sin behind. It also reminds us that, regardless of our failures, we can find forgiveness in God. Here are other teachings:
- Unconditional Love of God: The father in the parable reflects God's unconditional love, which is always willing to forgive and welcome those who repent, no matter how far they have strayed.
- Repentance and Forgiveness: The parable shows that true repentance leads to forgiveness and restoration. God always offers a second chance to those who turn to Him.
- Humility and Grace: The attitude of the younger son upon returning home exemplifies the humility and repentance necessary to receive God's grace.
- Resentment and Self-Justification: The older son warns us against legalism and resentment. Even those who are "close" to God can lose sight of love and mercy and need to learn to celebrate the grace extended to all.
- The Feast for Repentant Sinners (Luke 15:7): A calf could feed an entire village. The fact that the calf had been fattened beforehand may indicate that it was being prepared for something very important, like a wedding or the return of the younger son. However, the text does not provide the reasons.
- Lost in the Father's House: The older son being in the field and being the only one unaware of the feast symbolizes the distance and isolation he had from the family. The common and expected thing would have been for him to be by his father's side at the feast.
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