What is the significance of the prodigal son

So his father went out and pleaded with him. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him! When you read this, does that remind you of anyone? Sounds a lot like those muttering Pharisees and teachers of the law complaining because Jesus is eating with sinners and tax collectors.

We see this loving father who runs with compassion and great love towards his son because he has returned. Remember, the older son was angry and refused to celebrate with the return of his brother. Here is another way of looking at it. So, when you read this story, remember the great love of the Father. He loved both sons. So much of the story focuses on the redemption of the prodigal.

However, the truth is that both sons had to be redeemed. Again, very similar to what we said before about the sinners and the Pharisees. The sinners and tax collectors knew they were sinners and were probably fully aware of their need for repentance and redemption. In case they ever forgot, the Pharisees and teachers of the law were there to remind them. The Pharisees and teachers of the law on the other hand were lost in their own self-righteousness. Much like the older son. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it.

Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found. Instead, he is jealous that his father has not honored him. His father urges him not to resent his brother, but to instead be happy for him. He loved us while we were still sinners. Though we are demanding and do not remain faithful, God is still our faithful and loving Father. When we come to repent of our sins, He is willing to forgive us and welcomes us with open arms.

The example of the elder son demonstrates how we should not treat other believers. He was away from family and seemingly all alone. This was a genuine plea that the son planned and executed.

He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. The distance between the two was quickly closed, ending in personal affection, forgiveness, and ultimately redemption. Not only is this son physically embraced, but the father restores him of his previous comforts, shown with his robe. His status as a loved son was again realized. This happy ending did not occur without the older son noticing the sudden uproar of celebration.

Ostensibly, the older son never made the same mistakes as the younger, but seemingly had no reward. The father then told him what he may have forgotten due to comparing himself to his younger brother. The father explained that what is his, also belongs to the older brother.

In the end, both brothers were loved, one simply lost his way before coming back home. The original audience of this parable was described as tax collectors and sinners Luke Both groups were despised in this Jewish society. This countercultural approach was thus frowned upon, but Jesus in His wisdom delivered the aforementioned parable as a way of helping people understand.

His lesson was that of redemption, not just for the people who recognized themselves as lowly or sinful in society, but for those like the Pharisees who did not. The two sons in the story are indicative of two types of people, but both represent humanity. Some of us have been close to God longer and more intensely than others. Some of these same people possess an attitude of expectancy or favoritism from God because they have always chosen God. What is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed?

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sower? What is the meaning of the Parable of the Talents? What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Minas? What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats? What is the meaning of the Parable of the Fig Tree?