The prodigal son

The story

A man had two sons. The younger one said, give me my share of the inheritance now, as if his father were already dead. He left for a distant country and wasted everything.

When a famine came, he ended up feeding pigs and longing for their food. Then he came to his senses: my father’s servants have more than enough. I will go back and say, I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me a servant.

“While he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” Before the son could finish his speech, the father called for the best robe, a ring and sandals, and a feast: “this son of mine was dead and is alive again!”

The older son came in from the fields, heard the music, and refused to go in. I have served you all these years, he said. The father went out to him too: “everything I have is yours. But it was fitting to celebrate.”

What it means

Jesus told this story to religious people who grumbled that he welcomed sinners (Luke 15:1–2). It is really about the father: a father who runs, which dignified men didn’t do, and who goes out to both sons.

Some of us are the younger son, sure we have gone too far. Some of us are the older son, faithful but resentful. The father’s love reaches both. The story ends unfinished: will the older brother go in?

Pray

Father, thank you for running to meet me. Where I have wandered, I come home. Where I have been resentful, soften my heart, and bring me in to the celebration. Amen.

Read it in the Bible

For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.

Luke 15:24

But it was fitting to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Luke 15:32