Parable of the Prodigal Son: God’s Love for the Lost

Setting the Scene: Why Jesus Told This Parable

Have you ever felt like you wandered too far for God to welcome you back? In Luke 15, Jesus tells three unforgettable parables. Each one reveals the joy of something lost being found. He speaks of a lost sheep, a lost coin, and finally, a lost son—the parable of the prodigal son. This final story hits the heart in a powerful way.

We find Jesus surrounded by two very different groups: tax collectors and sinners on one side, Pharisees and teachers of the law on the other. The first group draws near, hungry for hope. The second group stands back, quietly grumbling, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

That tension sets the stage for everything Jesus says next.

As we step into this parable, we’ll discover a story that reaches across time. Even today, we wrestle with shame, resentment, and grace. But this story doesn’t leave us stuck. It points us straight to the heart of the Father.

Parables: The Mysteries of God’s Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told by John MacArthur

The parable of the prodigal son is more than a tale of failure. It’s a window into God’s heart. He’s not just willing to receive the lost—He runs to meet them. Whether we identify with the wayward son or the bitter brother, there’s something here for all of us.

So let’s walk through this story together. Along the way, we’ll see how God rejoices over each of us when we come home.

The Younger Son: Rebellion and Ruin

In the parable of the prodigal son, the younger son makes a bold and deeply offensive request. He asks for his share of the inheritance—while his father is still alive. In that culture, this was more than selfish. It was shameful, almost like saying, “I wish you were dead.”

Rather than rebuke him, the father grants the request. That alone would have shocked Jesus’ listeners. The son gathers his things and leaves home. He’s chasing freedom, but he’s running straight into disaster.

Leaving It All Behind

Without hesitation, the younger son journeys to a distant country. He turns his back on everything—family, responsibility, and identity. At first, it seems like he’s living the dream. He squanders his wealth on reckless living, chasing pleasure and independence.

However, good times built on bad choices don’t last.

Hitting Rock Bottom

Soon, a famine strikes the land. His money runs out. So do his friends. With no one to help him, he takes the lowest job imaginable—feeding pigs. For a Jewish man, this was beyond disgrace.

Worse still, he longs to eat the pigs’ food. He’s starving, physically and spiritually. Separated from his father, he’s not just broke. He’s broken.

The Emptiness of Self-Indulgence

The parable of the prodigal son paints a vivid picture. Sin promises freedom, but delivers bondage. The younger son chased independence, but found isolation.

Like him, we sometimes think life away from God will be better. But without Him, we’re lost.

This part of the story invites us to reflect. What are we running toward? And what are we leaving behind?

Thankfully, this isn’t the end. While rebellion leads to ruin, the road home is still open. And the Father is watching.

The Turning Point: Repentance and Return

In the parable of the prodigal son, everything changes the moment the younger son “comes to his senses.” That phrase marks a turning point. He finally sees the truth about his choices—and himself. He remembers his father’s kindness. Even the hired servants at home live better than he does now.

So he decides to return, but not as a son. He plans to beg for a servant’s role. His heart shifts from pride to humility. He rehearses a confession: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy.”

This is a picture of true repentance. It isn’t just regret or guilt. It’s a change of direction—a turning around. Biblical repentance involves honesty, humility, and action. He doesn’t just feel sorry. He gets up and goes home.

Still, the son expects judgment. He’s ready to earn his place through servanthood. But he completely misunderstands his father’s heart.

When the father sees him from far away, he runs. That was unheard of for a man of dignity in that culture. Yet love overrules status. The father embraces him before he even speaks.

Instead of rejection, the son is wrapped in mercy. Before the apology is finished, the father calls for the best robe, a ring, and sandals. These are signs of sonship—not servanthood.

The parable of the prodigal son reminds us that God doesn’t wait for perfect words. He looks for a returning heart. And when we take one step toward Him, He runs to meet us.

No matter how far we’ve fallen, we’re never beyond grace. Repentance is hard, but it leads us home. The Father’s arms are always open.

The Father’s Response: Grace Beyond Measure

In the parable of the prodigal son, the most shocking moment isn’t the son’s rebellion—it’s the father’s reaction. While the son is still a long way off, the father sees him. That means he’s been watching, hoping, waiting. He doesn’t stand still or make the boy grovel. Instead, he runs.

In that culture, a nobleman running was undignified. But love doesn’t worry about appearances. The father wraps his arms around the filthy son and kisses him. Before any apology, he gives affection.

He Restores Completely

The son tries to deliver his rehearsed speech. He only gets part of it out before the father interrupts. There’s no talk of servanthood—only restoration. The father calls for three things: a robe, a ring, and sandals.

Each one matters. The robe covers shame and declares honor. The ring likely held the family seal, granting authority and belonging. The sandals mark him as a son, not a servant—since slaves often went barefoot.

Nothing is halfway. Everything the son lost is returned.

He Rejoices Without Hesitation

Then comes the feast. The fattened calf is saved for rare, joyful occasions. The whole household is invited to celebrate.

Why? Because “this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” That’s the heart of it. This is not just forgiveness—it’s resurrection.

In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus shows us how God responds when we return. He doesn’t hold grudges. He throws parties.

Heaven Celebrates the Lost Being Found

This story mirrors the other parables in Luke 15. A lost sheep is found—there’s rejoicing. A lost coin is recovered—again, joy. And now, a lost son comes home. Every time someone turns back to God, heaven erupts with celebration.

God isn’t stingy with mercy. He lavishes it. He restores, rejoices, and embraces us—not reluctantly, but eagerly.

That’s grace beyond measure.

The Older Brother: Resentment in the Righteous

In the parable of the prodigal son, the older brother enters the story just as the party begins. But instead of joining in, he gets angry. He refuses to go inside. When the father comes out to him, the bitterness spills out.

He says, “All these years I’ve been slaving for you… yet you never gave me even a young goat.” His words reveal what’s really in his heart. He doesn’t see himself as a son—just a servant.

Like many of us, he’s been doing the right things for the wrong reasons. He’s obedient, but not joyful. He’s dutiful, but distant.

The older brother believes the father’s love must be earned. That’s why grace makes him so mad. He can’t understand why his reckless brother deserves a celebration.

However, the father responds with tenderness. He reminds him, “You are always with me, and everything I have is yours.” The issue isn’t access—it’s attitude. The older son missed the joy of the relationship because he focused only on reward.

This part of the parable of the prodigal son challenges us in a different way. Some of us may not have run far, but we’ve grown cold inside. We check the boxes, but our hearts are distant.

Duty alone doesn’t please God. He desires intimacy. He wants us to rejoice when the lost come home—not compare ourselves.

In the end, we don’t know if the older brother ever joins the party. That question lingers. It invites us to examine our own hearts. Will we choose grace over resentment? Will we celebrate others instead of competing with them?

God’s love isn’t divided. It’s abundant. There’s room at the table for all His children—including us.

A Call to All: Enter the Joy of the Father

The parable of the prodigal son isn’t just a touching story—it’s an invitation. Jesus speaks to two groups that day. First, the sinners and tax collectors who drew near. Then, the Pharisees who stood back in judgment. Both groups are in the story. One as the younger son. The other as the older brother.

Jesus offers hope to the broken and a warning to the proud. But He leaves the ending open. Why? Because we’re meant to finish it.

So let’s ask ourselves: who do we relate to more? Are we the younger son, running from God and craving a fresh start? Or are we the older brother, doing the right things but growing bitter inside?

Either way, the Father invites us in. He wants us close. Not because we’ve earned it, but because He loves us.

God isn’t keeping score—He’s throwing open the doors. He rejoices when any one of us comes home.

We don’t have to stay stuck in shame or pride. Instead, we can enter the joy of the Father. We can celebrate grace, walk in love, and extend mercy to others.

The parable of the prodigal son shows us God’s heart. Now, it’s our turn to respond. Let’s not stay outside. Let’s come in and join the celebration.

Come Home to the Father’s Heart

The parable of the prodigal son reminds us that God joyfully welcomes the lost—no matter how far we’ve gone. His arms are always open. If we feel distant, today is the perfect time to come home. God’s grace isn’t earned; it’s freely given. So let’s receive it with humble hearts. And as we do, let’s reflect that same grace to others. There’s room in the Father’s house for everyone—including us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) The Parable of the Prodigal Son

1. What is the main message of the parable of the prodigal son? The main message is that God joyfully welcomes the lost with mercy, grace, and love. It highlights His desire for restoration over punishment.

2. Who do the characters in the parable represent? The father represents God. The younger son represents repentant sinners. The older brother represents the self-righteous who struggle with grace.

3. Why was the younger son’s request so offensive? Asking for his inheritance early was like saying he wished his father were dead. It showed deep dishonor and rebellion.

4. What do the robe, ring, and sandals symbolize? They represent full restoration and sonship. The father wasn’t just forgiving—he was reinstating his son with honor and belonging.

5. How can I apply this parable to my life today? We can reflect on our own hearts—whether we’re distant from God or bitter toward others—and choose to embrace grace and return home.