The Parable of the Prodigal Son Explained
This is one of the most familiar stories Jesus ever told, which is exactly the problem, familiarity has worn the edges off it. Read slowly and it's a strange story: a father who divides his estate before he's dead, a son who ends up feeding pigs he's not even allowed to eat with, a party that starts before an apology is finished, and an ending that doesn't end. Jesus told it to two rooms at once, sinners who'd wandered, and religious men who never had. It's worth asking which room you're sitting in. Quick answer The parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) tells of a younger son who takes his inheritance early, wastes it, and returns home broken, expecting only to be hired as a servant. Instead his father runs to meet him, restores him fully as a son, and throws a feast. The older brother, who stayed and obeyed, refuses to join the celebration, resentful that grace was given to someone who hadn't earned it. Jesus told this to tax collectors and Phari...