In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the younger son, Thomas, was angry and pestered his father to receive an early inheritance, eager to "live it up" and squander his money on a life of self-indulgence. Finally he gets his way and leaves home.
He quickly fell into a whirlwind of a lavish lifestyle, spending his money extravagantly. For a while, it felt like a dream, but the dream soon turned sour as his funds dwindled. Soon left with nothing, Thomas was too humiliated to go home and allow his family and friends to see how much of a failure he was, so he found himself forced to work on a pig farm, barely scraping by. The outside world, once alluring, now seemed cold and unforgiving.
Left with a heavy heart, self-doubt and shame, Thomas set off for home, but instead of being scolded, he was happily greeted by his father, who had been waiting and watching for his son... and seeing his son a long way off, he wept, as he ran to meet his son, throwing his arms around him and kissing him, demonstrating his great joy and compassion at his son's return. Thomas finally understood the depth of his father's love and the joy of forgiveness.
This parable is not so much about a rebellious son, as it is about the fact that God waits for His children with love, forgiveness, and compassion. No matter how many times we've messed up or have gone astray, God forgives us, loves us, waits for us with open arms, and always welcomes us back. He waits for the lost sheep that have gone astray. He longs for them to come back home, where they are safe in His loving arms, and protected.
The prodigal son toiling in the pig pen, is a picture of the lost sinner or a rebellious Christian who has returned to a life of sin (2 Peter 2:19–21). Notice that the son devises a plan of action, and it shows that his repentance was genuine, as he admits his sin (Luke 15:18). His realization is reflective of the sinner’s discovery that apart from God, we remain lost...our hearts and life spiritually void and empty, with no hope of eternal life with Christ. (Ephesians 2:12; 2 Timothy 2:25–26).
In the same way, a repentant sinner coming to Jesus, is keenly aware of his own sins. Laying aside all pride and feelings of entitlement, he brings only himself to Jesus. He doesn't have to earn His love, because Jesus already loves him. He simply asks Him to forgive him of his sins and invites Jesus into his heart and life as Savior.
What a picture of God’s love, mercy, and grace! In Jesus’ day, it was not customary for a grown man to run, yet the father runs to greet his son, demonstrating his love and desire for restoration (verse 20). The returning son begins his prepared speech (verse 21), but his father cuts him off and commands all to honor his son—the best robe, the best ring, the best feast! The father does not question his son nor lecture him; instead, he joyfully forgives him and receives him back into fellowship.
God’s heart is full of compassion for His children; He stands ready to welcome the returning sinner back home, with joyous celebration. Likewise, this is exactly how much God loves us, wants us, and welcomes us back with great joy. This is what God’s grace does for a penitent sinner (Psalm 40:2; 103:4). Not only are we forgiven in Christ, but we receive the Holy Spirit of “adoption to sonship” (Romans 8:15). We are His children, heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
The Bible describes God's love as unconditional, because it's not based on performance or circumstances, and is given to everyone without judgment. God loves without placing any conditions on the loved ones; He loves because it is His nature to love (1 John 4:8). He is always ready to forgive the repentant heart and welcome us back, no matter how far we have strayed...illustrating God's boundless mercy and grace.
This parable is one of my favorite. It also tells us not to be envy of our brothers and sisters. Though they sometimes appear to be far away from Lord but they may ultimately come back as there is always room for one more on the cross.
Amen, what a great commentary on a great parable showing God's unlimited grace with us and a great reminder that ANYONE can come to Christ for forgiveness.
I have always liked this story. Mostly we hear of the strong bond between a mother and her child, but fathers have it too and never give up on their children.
@Thinkerbell You're the best. 🥰❤ You always have a heart for God and it shows. You never fail to give the perfect scripture, to fit the subject. Thank you so much.
