The Prodigal Son
The parable of The Prodigal Son could be found in Luke 15: 11-32. In this parable, Jesus is telling the story of a man with two sons. The younger son decides to ask his father for a portion of the family estate. The father gives him a portion as a early inheritance and the son journeys to a far away land and wastes his fortune on wild and extravagant living. His money runs out as his country is hit with a severe famine. He takes a job herding pigs and begins to envy even the pig and his food. The son quickly remembers his father and decides to return back home and ask for forgiveness and mercy for leaving the family. The father welcomes his son back with open arms of compassion. The father decides to throw a celebration and feast for the homecoming of his son. The older son returns home and is not happy when he sees the party for his brother. The father settles down the dispute by saying that they are family and they share everything.
Jesus used this parable to show compassion and unity between a family, even over long periods of separation and rebellion. Jesus uses the father as a symbol of God, always welcomes us back to his kingdom and restores our relationship with joyful celebration. This parable teaches the audience to always remember you can be welcomed back into God’s arms when in tough times. It reminds each of us that we are loved and forgiven from God. In modern times, this parable can be used for each of us, but especially the rebellious and selfish among us. The rebellious and selfish can use this parable as guidance to be driven back into the arms of God.