Luke 15:11-32 (ESV): The Parable of the Prodigal Son – From the Guttermost to the Uttermost
11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 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. 13 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. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”‘ 20 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. 21 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.’ 22 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. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. 25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 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. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'”
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a timeless narrative that unveils the profound journey of a wayward son and the transformative power of repentance and forgiveness. In this blog post, we explore the key moments of this powerful story, reflecting on the consequences of choices, the path to repentance, and the overwhelming grace of a loving father.
Consequences of Choices: A Downward Spiral
The prodigal son’s story begins with a desire for independence, leading him to request his share of the inheritance prematurely. His choices, driven by impatience and recklessness, result in squandered wealth and destitution. The consequences of his decisions become glaringly evident as a severe famine strikes, intensifying his need and desperation. His journey is a stark reminder that leaving the Father’s house ends in devastation. We are destined to find ourselves in slavery to the world. Regardless of whether we end up in the hog pen or not, we are outside the presence of our loving Father. A very dangerous place indeed.
Repentance – “He Came to Himself”
Amidst his dire circumstances, the prodigal son experiences a moment of awakening. Realizing the abundance in his father’s house, he decides to return home. The consequences of his actions have brought him to the awareness that he does not belong here. The journey of repentance begins with an acknowledgment of his sins, a recognition that he had not only erred against his family but, more profoundly, against God. He confesses to himself and his acceptance of his condition is the beginning of his journey home. We will always begin our journey home by admitting our condition.
Humility
The prodigal son’s decision to return is marked by humility. He is willing to accept the consequences of his actions and humbly submits to the discipline he deserves. This turning point underscores a readiness to change and a longing for reconciliation with both God and his family. The “far county” has left him empty and in slavery. Broken and destitute spiritually and physically, How far down will we have to go before we repent? Anytime we leave the Father’s house we are headed down. Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.
The Father’s Response: Extravagant Grace in Action
The beauty of the parable unfolds as the father, filled with compassion, runs to meet his repentant son. The father’s extravagant grace is evident as he orders the best robe, a ring, and shoes for his returning son.
The father ordered his servants to bring quickly the best robe, symbolizing honor and covering for the son’s tattered state. A ring was placed on his hand, signifying authority, dignity, and belonging. Shoes were placed on his feet, an act of reinstatement, as being barefoot was associated with servitude. He is no longer a slave! To mark the joyous occasion, the father commanded the slaughtering of the fattened calf, reserved for special celebrations. The feast with the fattened calf was not just about physical nourishment; it was a lavish celebration, symbolizing reconciliation, restoration, and the father’s overflowing love for his returning son and in a greater sense foreshadowing the supreme sacrifice of The Lamb of God, Jesus.
Open Confession and Reconciliation
As the son openly confesses his sins, the father’s response is not condemnation but joyous celebration. The reconciliation between father and son is a powerful image of God’s forgiveness and the restoration of a broken relationship.
The Brother’s Rejection
However, the parable doesn’t conclude without addressing the reaction of the older brother. His resentment and refusal to join the celebration reveal a stark contrast to the father’s grace. The older brother’s rejection highlights the challenge of embracing forgiveness and reconciling with those who have strayed. We as children in the family of God must follow the Father’s example of extravagant grace. Too often we act like the elder brother somehow feeling justified in holding our grudge. We’re not! We must give grace as we need grace. If we don’t forgive then how can God forgive us?
A Journey of Redemption
The Parable of the Prodigal Son encapsulates a profound journey—from a son’s rebellion to a slave’s humility and, ultimately, to a son’s restoration. It invites reflection on our own journeys of repentance, forgiveness, and the transformative power of God’s extravagant grace. May we, like the prodigal son, find our way back to the Father’s embrace and extend that grace to others.