Day 112 of 365 · Week 16 · Grace in the Old Testament
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The Parable of the Prodigal Son: What It Reveals
Luke 15:11-32
Scripture · Luke 15:11-32
11Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent all he had, a severe famine swept through that country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16He longed to fill his belly with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him a thing. 17Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food, but here I am, starving to death! 18I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ 20So he got up and went to his father. But 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. 21The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate. 25Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked what was going on. 27‘Your brother has returned,’ he said, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, ‘Look, all these years I have served you and never disobeyed a commandment of yours. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours returns from squandering your wealth with prostitutes, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31‘Son, you are always with me,’ the father said, ‘and all that is mine is yours. 32But 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.’”
Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain.
The final and most detailed parable in Luke 15 is the Parable of the Prodigal Son, also known as the Parable of the Lost Son. This story illustrates the depth of God’s grace and forgiveness, and it has resonated deeply with believers throughout the centuries. The parable begins with a younger son who asks his father for his share of the inheritance, which he then wastes on reckless living. When a severe famine strikes, the son finds himself in desperate need, reduced to feeding pigs and longing to eat their food. In his destitution, he decides to return to his father, not as a son but as a hired servant, hoping that his father might show him mercy. As the son approaches, the father sees him from a distance and runs to him, embracing him and kissing him. Despite the son’s prepared speech of repentance, the father interrupts him, ordering his servants to bring the best robe, a ring, and sandals, and to prepare a feast to celebrate his return. The father’s actions reveal his deep love and joy at the return of his lost son.
Exegetical Viewpoints
The Lavishness of God’s Grace: The father’s response to the prodigal son’s return is extravagant and unreserved. Instead of chastising or punishing the son, the father welcomes him with open arms, restoring him to his position as a beloved son. This response is a powerful image of God’s grace, which is not earned but freely given, regardless of past mistakes.
The Joy of Reconciliation: The father’s joy at the return of his son is a central theme in the parable. The celebration that follows is a communal expression of the father’s joy and the son’s restoration. This joy reflects the heart of God, who rejoices when any lost person returns to Him.
Scripture is shown in public-domain translations, so you can share it freely. The study text is from Our Daily Dose by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche. A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.
