What is the parable of the prodigal son — In Biblical Context
The prodigal son parable tells of a young man who squanders his inheritance in wild living, then returns home to find his father waiting with open arms — illustrating God's lavish grace toward repentant sinners.
The prodigal son parable tells of a young man who squanders his inheritance in wild living, then returns home to find his father waiting with open arms — illustrating God's lavish grace toward repentant sinners.
"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." — Luke 15:20 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
In Luke 15, Jesus tells the story of a younger son who demands his inheritance early, travels to a far country, and wastes everything on reckless living. When a famine strikes, he ends up feeding pigs — the lowest point for a Jewish person. Coming to his senses, he decides to return home and beg to be a servant. But his father sees him from afar, runs to him, embraces him, and throws a celebration. The older brother resents this grace, representing the Pharisees who criticized Jesus for welcoming sinners. The parable beautifully illustrates repentance, God's unconditional love, and the danger of self-righteous resentment.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Luke 15:20, sits inside Luke 15. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry."
"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."
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