The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32)

Have you ever felt like you’ve gone too far to come back to God? The parable of the Prodigal Son shows us that no matter how far we wander, our Father’s love is greater. Jesus told this story to remind us that God’s grace is always ready to welcome us home.

📖 Story Summary

In Luke 15, Jesus told a parable about a man who had two sons. The younger son asked his father for his share of the inheritance, left home, and wasted everything on reckless living. When a famine struck, he found himself broke, hungry, and working among pigs.

Coming to his senses, he decided to return home, planning to ask his father for forgiveness and to live as a servant. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, ran to him, and embraced him with compassion. The father restored him with a robe, a ring, and a feast, declaring: “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”

Meanwhile, the older son grew angry. He had stayed faithful at home and felt overlooked. The father gently reminded him that all he had was already his, but it was right to celebrate the younger son’s return.

God’s Lavish Grace

The father’s reaction shows us God’s heart. He doesn’t hold grudges or wait for us to earn His love. Instead, He runs to us with joy and restores us as His children when we repent.

The Struggle of the Older Brother

The older brother reminds us that self-righteousness can blind us to God’s grace. His resentment shows the danger of forgetting that salvation is a gift, not a reward for good behavior.

Jesus, the Way Home

This parable ultimately points us to Jesus, who makes it possible for us to return to the Father. Through His sacrifice, we are not just forgiven—we are welcomed as beloved children.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” — 1 John 3:1 (NIV)

Closing Encouragement

The Prodigal Son reminds us that God’s love is stronger than our failures. Whether you feel far away or close to Him, His grace is for you. Come to Him with an open heart, and you will find forgiveness, restoration, and joy.

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