The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of Jesus’ most beloved teachings, revealing the boundless mercy of God toward those who sincerely repent. In the parable, a younger son demands his inheritance, leaves his father’s house, and squanders his wealth in reckless living. Reduced to poverty and misery, he resolves to return home, hoping only to be accepted as a servant.
Instead of rejecting him, the father runs to embrace his son, clothes him with the finest robe, places a ring on his finger, and orders a great feast to celebrate his return. The elder son, who had remained faithful, struggles to understand his father’s mercy. The father reminds him that everything he has is already his, but that it is fitting to rejoice because his brother “was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.”
The parable beautifully illustrates God’s forgiveness, the joy of repentance, and His desire to restore every sinner who returns to Him with a contrite heart. It remains one of the clearest expressions of divine mercy in the New Testament.
Luke 15:11–32
Jesus tells the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
Illustration by: Colton Rompala