The story of the “Prodigal Son” in the Bible represents the awful rebellious, self-centered and selfish nature present in all humanity when it is unchecked by virtues, morals and redeemed by Christ into a new life. Truth be told, we are all prodigals at times in our lives. We at times… care only for ourselves, we do what we want, we want what we want when we want it, and we want to go where we want when we want. The story of the “Prodigal Son” is timeless because we all identify with ending up in a sloppy and stinking pig pen after going our own way and losing what was ours and what we had, because of our foolish thinking and selfishness. We make a “U-Turn” in our life and come plodding back to our Father, repentant as we request forgiveness. We expect nothing more than a diminished place and relationship.
Yet, right here in this place of admission, failure and fragile hope is the timeless truth and great point of this old story. Although we identify with being a prodigal, that is not why Jesus told the story. Jesus is declaring for all time and for everyone that will ever live, that our Father in Heaven is amazingly compassionate, loving, merciful, redeeming and grace lavishing to all of us prodigals. God the good Father in heaven has been waiting for each of us, runs to meet us and welcomes us with open arms. No recounting of our foolishness, no rebuking of our selfishness, no scheduling of our repayment of our debt, and no condemnation of our sin; just redemption, salvation and a new life.
This is the “Good News” of the “Gospel” and the hope for all of humanity. The truth will always be… there is Father, greater in every way than the father in the story. Jesus tells the story, not just to have us identify as a prodigal, but for all to find forgiveness, salvation, life and abundance as child of “The Compassionate, Loving, Merciful, Redeeming, Grace Lavishing Father” and that is the truth of the matter in the old story.
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate (New International Bible, Luke 15:22-24).
James Tissot (1836-1902), “The Return of the Prodigal Son” Brooklyn Museum
