The Parable of the Prodigal Son in the Bible (also known as the Parable of the Lost Son) is a well-known story of a son who does his father wrong, leaves home, regrets it, comes back, and is instantly forgiven by his father.
You can find the parable in Luke 15:11-32 NIV.
What’s the main message of the Parable of the Prodigal Son?
The main message of The Prodigal Son Parable is that it doesn’t matter how far we stray from our Heavenly Father or how much we squander the gifts he provides, he is always delighted when we turn back to him in repentance.
His unconditional love is waiting for us to return home where he greets us with open arms, as the father rejoiced in his son’s return.
Every lost child (a sinner, meaning all of us) who is found (turns to God) is cause for the greatest celebration.
Do you relate to the prodigal son or the “good” son?
One interesting aspect of the Parable of the Prodigal Son is that we either seem to relate to the ‘good’ child or the prodigal child. Our perspective can change at various points in our lives, so it’s helpful to understand the parable from both perspectives.
Do you relate to the Prodigal Son?
Do you relate to the “good” son?
Parable of the Prodigal Son Lesson:
3 LESSONS FROM THE PRODIGAL SON:
Which son we relate to may change depending on where we are in our Christian journey. At times, we may be seeking God in earnest and relate to the older son.
Other times, we may be lost in the far country and have let the priorities of the world come between us and God. In that case, we may relate more to the prodigal son.
1. Look Inside:
The Prodigal Child
If you relate to the prodigal son, look inside. Find God dwelling there. See the beauty he knows is inside, even if it’s hidden. See the worth he sees in you.
Ask your loving father for forgiveness and welcome him into your heart. He forgives you! Venture on a process of self-discovery to find your way back home.
The “Good” Child
If you truly are the ‘good’ child (the older brother), look no further than within your own heart. Are you happy with how the Father is treating you on a daily basis – by providing food and shelter, a job, and a family? His unconditional love, comfort, and grace?
I believe the answer would be YES for most people. God has given you all you need – and more. You are blessed with your father’s love.
Be grateful for those gifts. Holding a grudge against the prodigal son accomplishes nothing more than putting a barrier between you and God.
Besides, one day it will be you needing forgiveness and you’ll be thankful when He welcomes you back with open arms.
2. Know that He is waiting for you with open arms:
The Prodigal Child
If you’re the prodigal son, which we all are at some point due to our sin, be grateful for the unconditional love and forgiveness that will greet you when you come back home. Make a concerted effort to curb further disobedience or disrespect.
The “Good” Child
No matter how close to God you currently are, rest assured that he loves you with agape love that’s greater than we can even comprehend.
When you fall, he’ll be there to catch you. When you stray (and you probably will), he welcomes you back. His love for you is independent of any other relationship he has. You are all his!
3. It’s only about you and God:
Whether you relate to the wayward son or the oldest son, the parable of the prodigal son is really about living your life between you and God and not worrying about keeping score with anyone else.
Be thankful he’s there for you when you follow him and will always be there to welcome you back if you fail him.
Are you seeking deeper faith, a more meaningful life, or greater inner peace?
Embark on a journey of spiritual growth and self-reflection through the timeless teachings found within the forty parables of Jesus Christ. Grab your ebook, softcover, or LARGE PRINT. Read FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Learn more on Amazon (affiliate link). Read a Sample!
Carry the Lesson with You:
Wherever you are in your Christian journey, the lesson is the same. It’s all about our personal relationship with God and recognizing that no matter our thoughts or actions, he loves us and welcomes us with open arms when we turn to him.
"In the end it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway." Written by Kent M. Keith but normally attributed to Mother Teresa
The points made above are also summarized in our Prodigal Son Printable Pocket Booklet and Coloring Booklet which are perfect for adult or youth groups. Prodigal Son Youth BUNDLE is the best value for the home or classroom.
More Parables!
Do you love the parables as much as I do? You may enjoy reading life lessons on these others (listed below), these activities for adults and children, or this list of Parables and Meanings. More parable lessons are underway. See them all HERE!
Do you love journaling? Does writing down your personal reflections help you process your thoughts more fully? Perhaps these Christian writing journals will be helpful as you reflect on the life lessons of the parables.
- 6 Lessons from Mustard Seed Faith
- 4 Parable of the Hidden Treasure Lessons
- 5 Life Lessons from the Parable of the Talents
- 3 Parable of the Lost Sheep Lessons
- The Parable of the Sower explained – which soil are you like?
- 4 Life Lessons from The Parable of the Ten Virgins
- 3 Life Lessons from the Parable of the Rich Fool
- 3 Lessons from the Parable of the Vineyard Workers
- Parable of the Lost Coin Spiritual Lessons
- The Parable of Two Sons – 3 Spiritual Life Lessons
- The Parable of the Weeds – 4 Spiritual Lessons
- The Parable of the Persistent Widow
- Lessons from the Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector
- The Parable of the Pearl Life Lessons
- The Parable of the Great Banquet Lessons
- Parable of the Shrewd Manager Life Lessons
- Parable of the Yeast Life Lessons for Today
- Parable of the Unforgiving Servant Life Lessons
- Parable of the Wedding Feast Life Lessons
- Parable of the Net Life Lessons
- The Parable of the Growing Seed
- The Parable of the Tenants Life Lessons
- Parable of the Fig Tree Life Lessons
- Lazarus and the Rich Man Parable Life Lessons
- Parable of the Good Shepherd Bible Lessons
- Parable of the Wineskins Spiritual Lessons
- Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders Lessons
- Parable of the Faithful Servant Life Lessons
- Parable of the Lamp Life Lessons
- Parable of the Two Debtors Life Lessons
- Parable of the Householder Life Lessons
- Parable of the Friend at Midnight Life Lessons
- Parable of the Master and Servant Life Lessons
- Parable of the Watchful Servants Life Lessons
- Take the Lowest Seat Parable Life Lessons
- The Parable of the Prodigal Son Life Lessons
- 5 Parable of the Good Samaritan Lessons
- The Cost of Being a Disciple Life Lessons
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