What Is the Parable of the Prodigal Son — Meaning Explained
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is Jesus' story of a wayward son who demanded his inheritance, squandered it, and was welcomed home by his forgiving father.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is Jesus' story of a wayward son who demanded his inheritance, squandered it, and was welcomed home by his forgiving father.
"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)
What "What Is the Parable of the Prodigal Son?" Actually Means
In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells of a man with two sons. The younger son demanded his share of the inheritance and left for a distant country, where he wasted everything in reckless living. When a severe famine hit, he hired himself out to feed pigs and longed to eat their pods. Coming to his senses, he resolved to return home and beg to be a servant. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, ran to him, embraced him, and ordered a feast — for this son of mine was dead and is alive again. The older son, who had stayed home, refused to join the celebration. The father answered him: 'Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.' The parable reveals God's heart for lost sinners, His willingness to receive the repentant, and the danger of self-righteousness.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Luke 15:20
"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."
Luke 15:24
"For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry."
Luke 15:32
"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."
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