The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Welcome back to Day 3! Over the last two days, you’ve seen how Jesus crosses boundaries to welcome the marginalized, heal the hurting, and restore outcasts into His community. As you reflect, have any new thoughts or questions about Jesus or the people He interacted with come to mind? Take a moment to jot them down or discuss them with a friend before diving into today’s story.

Reminder: Take time to read today’s passage on your own or with a friend. Then, when you catch up this week—whether in person or on a call—share what stood out, reflect on your insights, and discuss how it connects to your life. Keep the conversation going!

Today’s story is one of Jesus’ parables—a short, impactful story designed to convey deeper truths. Parables often hold layers of meaning, requiring curiosity and reflection to uncover. This one, The Prodigal Son, comes as Jesus faces criticism from the Pharisees for associating with sinners. Instead of debating, Jesus uses this story to reveal what God is like.

The parable revolves around three characters: the younger son, the older son, and the father. The younger son shocks everyone by demanding his inheritance while his father is still alive, a deeply disrespectful and hurtful act in that culture. To make matters worse, he squanders it all on reckless living, which would have been seen as a disgraceful misuse of his family’s resources. When a famine strikes and he finds himself destitute, he decides to return home, hoping to be treated as a servant. Instead, his father runs to meet him—something unheard of for a father of his status—embracing and restoring him as a beloved son, showing that his grace and love were not contingent on the son’s actions but on his relationship with him.

The older son, however, becomes bitter when his father celebrates the younger son’s return. Despite his hard work and loyalty, he feels unrecognized and resents his father’s forgiveness of his brother. Yet, the father goes out to him as well, inviting him to join the celebration. This act emphasizes that the father’s love and compassion extend to both sons, regardless of their behaviour.

This parable paints a vivid picture of God’s unconditional love and grace. The father’s actions—running to embrace the wayward son and inviting the resentful son into joy—show a love that transcends human expectations. It also challenges us to reflect on ourselves: Do we see God’s love in our lives? Are we in the place of the younger son, in need of grace, or the older son, struggling with bitterness and a sense of unfairness?

Reflection Questions

1. What does this parable reveal about Jesus’ message and His mission?
2. Do you relate more to the younger son, the older son, or the father?
3. How does this story resonate with your life right now?

Take time to reflect on these questions, whether alone or with a friend. Parables like this are designed to challenge and inspire, offering deeper insights the more we engage with them.

See you tomorrow for Day 4—you’re over halfway through!