The Prodigal Son

Two Sons

Jesus told this story to help people understand how much God loves them:

There was once a father who had two sons. The farm was beautiful, the family was comfortable, and everything they needed was provided. But the younger son grew restless.

One day he came to his father and said something very bold — and rather hurtful.

"Father, give me my share of the property now."

In those days, to ask for your inheritance while your father was still alive was almost like saying, "I wish you were dead." But the father did not shout or punish his son. He divided up his wealth quietly and gave the younger son his share.

The Far Country

A few days later, the younger son packed everything up and left. He went to a distant country and began to spend his money as fast as he could — wild parties, expensive friends, careless living.

The money ran out quickly. And then, to make things worse, a terrible famine hit the whole region. Food became scarce. The people who had been his "friends" disappeared.

The young man was desperate. He found the only job he could — feeding pigs for a farmer. He was so hungry that even the slop he fed the pigs looked appetizing. But no one gave him anything to eat.

Sitting in the mud, surrounded by pigs, the young man finally thought clearly for the first time in a long while.

Coming to His Senses

"My father's servants have plenty of food," he thought, "and here I am, dying of hunger! I will go back to my father. I'll say: Father, I have done wrong against God and against you. I am not worthy to be called your son anymore. Please take me on as one of your workers."

He stood up, brushed the mud from his clothes, and began the long walk home. He had no money, no gifts, no fine clothes. He had only a rehearsed speech and a broken heart.

The Father's Run

He was still a long way from home when his father saw him.

The father had been watching. Every day, he had looked down the road. And on this day, when he saw a thin, raggedy figure in the distance, he knew immediately who it was.

The father — a dignified, respected man — did something that surprised everyone who saw it. He ran. He hiked up his robe and sprinted down the road toward his son.

Before the son could even begin his speech, the father had thrown his arms around him and was kissing his cheek, weeping with joy.

"Father," the son began, "I have done wrong against God and against you. I am not worthy to be called your son—"

But the father was already calling to his servants: "Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! Prepare a feast — my son was lost, and now he is found! He was dead, and now he is alive again!"

And the celebration began.

The Older Son

The older brother had been working hard in the field all day. As he came home that evening, he heard music and laughter from inside the house. When he learned what was happening, he was furious and refused to go in.

His father came out and gently pleaded with him.

"Son," he said quietly, "you have always been with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate today — your brother was lost, and now he is found."