The story of the prodigal son, also known as the parable of the prodigal son, is a well-known parable told by Jesus in the New Testament. It appears in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 15, verses 11-32.
In the story, a man has two sons. The younger son asks his father for his inheritance, and the father obliges. The younger son then takes his inheritance and leaves home, squandering it on a life of debauchery and extravagance. Eventually, he finds himself penniless and hungry, and decides to return home to beg his father for forgiveness and to ask if he can work as a servant on the family farm.
When the son returns home, his father sees him from a distance and runs to embrace him, showering him with love and forgiveness. The father orders a celebration and prepares a feast to honor the return of his son. The older son, who has remained at home and worked on the farm, becomes angry when he sees the celebration and questions his father's actions. The father reminds the older son that he has always been with him and has all that he needs, but that it is appropriate to celebrate the return of the younger son, who was lost but has now been found.
The story of the prodigal son is often interpreted as a tale about forgiveness and the boundless love of a parent for a child. It teaches that no matter how far we may wander or how much we may disappoint those who love us, we are always welcome to come home and be received with open arms. The story also reminds us that it is important to celebrate and be grateful for the things we have, rather than dwelling on what we lack.
Overall, the story of the prodigal son is a powerful reminder of the love and forgiveness that is always available to us, no matter what we have done or where we have been. It is a story that continues to resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds, and its message of hope and redemption is as relevant today as it was when it was first told by Jesus.
