Luke 15:11-32

11 The Parable of the Lost Son
Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons.

12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.

14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.

15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.

16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!

18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.

19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’

20 So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “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.

23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.

24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.

26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on.

27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.

29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.

30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.

32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Read the full chapter Luke 15

A Deep Dive into Luke 15:11-32: Meaning and Explanation

The parable of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15:11-32, is one of the most profound stories told by Jesus, offering deep lessons about forgiveness, repentance, and unconditional love. Through an exploration of its meaning and explanation, we can uncover the timeless truths embedded in this narrative.

Overview of Luke 15:11-32

In this passage, Jesus tells the story of a father and his two sons. The younger son, desiring independence, asks for his inheritance early, squanders it on reckless living, and eventually finds himself in dire need. Realizing his mistakes, he decides to return home, hoping for his father’s forgiveness. Meanwhile, the older brother, who remains with the father, reacts with resentment upon the prodigal son’s return.

Key Lessons and Meaning

Repentance and Redemption
- The journey of the younger son highlights the power of repentance. Realizing his shortcomings leads to his return, symbolizing a turnaround and willingness to seek forgiveness.
Unconditional Love
- The father’s reaction upon seeing his son return is one of compassion and unconditional love. This illustrates God’s infinite mercy and readiness to forgive.
Resentment and Self-Righteousness
- The older brother’s attitude reflects the human tendency to harbor resentment and self-righteousness. This part of the story invites us to confront and overcome jealousy.

Explanation of Symbolism

The Father: Represents God’s character, embodying love and grace.
The Prodigal Son: A metaphor for individuals who stray but can find redemption through repentance.
The Older Brother: Symbolizes those who cannot see past their own self-righteousness.

Summary

Luke 15:11-32 serves as a reminder of the profound themes of forgiveness and love. It encourages us to seek forgiveness when we falter, extends to others the grace we receive, and reevaluates the way we understand righteousness. The parable of the Prodigal Son challenges us to live out these timeless truths in our daily lives.

Cross References for Luke 15:11-32

Matthew 21:23-31 - The Authority of Jesus Questioned Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, ... Click to read the verse Matthew 21:23-31 Click to read the verse Matthew 21:23-31