Welcome to the story of grace, forgiveness, and redemption. This parable, spoken by Jesus, paints a vivid picture of the Father’s love for His children, no matter how far they stray. Dive into the text, and let’s break it down together to discover the deeper lessons that apply to our lives today.
📖 Luke 15:11–32 (KJV)
¹¹ And he said, A certain man had two sons:
¹² And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
¹³ And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
¹⁴ And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
¹⁵ And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
¹⁶ And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
¹⁷ And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
¹⁸ I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
¹⁹ And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
²⁰ And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
²¹ And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
²² But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
²³ And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
²⁴ For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
²⁵ Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
²⁶ And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
²⁷ And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
²⁸ And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
²⁹ And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
³⁰ But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
³¹ And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
³² It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
✨Let’s Break It Down
- The Younger Son’s Downfall (Luke 15:11–16)
- The younger son demanded his inheritance early, took it to a far country, and squandered it on reckless living. When famine hit, he found himself in the lowest of places—feeding swine and longing to eat their food.
- The Return to the Father (Luke 15:17–24)
- In his lowest moment, the son “came to himself” and returned home, ready to confess his sin. Yet his father, filled with compassion, ran to him, embraced him, and celebrated his return.
- The Older Son’s Response (Luke 15:25–32)
- The older son, upon seeing the celebration, grew angry and resentful, refusing to join in. The father reminded him that everything he had was always his, but it was right to celebrate his brother’s return.
⚡Key Takeaways
- God’s Love is Unconditional: No matter how far you stray, His arms are open wide.
- Repentance is Key: The younger son’s turning point was recognizing his sin and returning to his father.
- Rejoice in Redemption: Don’t let jealousy steal your joy when others receive grace.
Feeling far from God? Don’t wait another moment—return to Him today. His arms are open wide, ready to welcome you home.
👉 Share this parable with a friend and reflect on how it speaks to your life today.
🔗 Explore more parables from the Gospels
🔗 Learn about mercy in our Bible Verses section
🔗 Read the Word of God the Christian Cowboy way