Lessons from the Parable of the Prodigal Son

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of Jesus’ most well-known and powerful stories about forgiveness, redemption, and grace. Found in Luke 15:11-32, it paints a vivid picture of God’s perfect love and His willingness to welcome sinners back with open arms.

At First Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Palm Beach, this parable serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how far we may have wandered from God, He is always ready to receive us. Through this story, Jesus teaches that God's love is not based on what we do but on who He is—a loving Father who desires to restore and redeem His children.

The Prodigal Son: A Story of Lost and Found

Jesus tells of a father with two sons. The younger son demands his share of the inheritance, essentially saying he no longer wants to wait for his father’s death to receive his portion. He leaves home, spending everything on reckless living. Eventually, a famine strikes, and he finds himself starving, working among pigs—an unclean job for a Jewish man.

Desperate, he realizes his mistakes and returns home, hoping to be accepted as a servant rather than a son. However, before he even reaches the house, his father runs to him, embraces him, and welcomes him back with joy. This unconditional acceptance shocks the listeners of Jesus' time, just as it does today.

But the story doesn't end there. The older brother, who stayed and worked hard, becomes angry when he sees the father celebrating the return of his younger sibling. He feels unappreciated and questions his father’s fairness. The father responds with love, reminding him that everything he has belongs to him but that rejoicing over the lost being found is always the right response.

How This Parable Beautifully Captures God’s Grace and the Joy of Redemption

Grace Over Judgment

One of the most striking aspects of this parable is the father’s immediate acceptance of his son. There is no punishment, anger, or list of wrongs—only love and grace.

This perfectly represents how God welcomes us back when we return to Him. Many believe they must "earn" God’s forgiveness by doing good deeds or proving their worth. But Lutheran theology teaches that salvation comes by grace alone, not by works. The father in the parable models this truth—God's love is not something we earn but something He freely gives.

How often do we hold onto judgment instead of embracing grace? This story challenges us to show compassion over condemnation.

Repentance Leads to Redemption

The younger son’s decision to return home reflects true repentance. He acknowledges his mistakes and decides to turn back to his father.

Repentance is often misunderstood as feeling guilty or ashamed. However, in the biblical sense, repentance means turning away from sin and returning to God. The prodigal son didn’t just feel bad—he took action. He left his life of wastefulness and returned to where he belonged.

God does not force us to repent, but He is always ready to receive us when we do. This parable reminds us that redemption is always available—no matter what we’ve done.

The Older Brother’s Struggle with Forgiveness

The older brother’s reaction is a key part of this story. He sees himself as the faithful son who worked hard and obeyed. So, when the younger son receives a feast and celebration, he feels resentful.

This reflects a common human struggle. When we see others receive grace, especially those we believe don’t deserve it, we may feel bitterness instead of joy.

The father’s response is profound: “You are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 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.” (Luke 15:31-32)

God’s love is about grace. Our challenge is to move beyond resentment and embrace the joy of others’ redemption.

God’s Open Arms: No One is Too Far Gone

Many feel they have strayed too far from God to be welcomed back, believing their sins are too great for forgiveness. This parable shatters that belief.  

No matter how far we wander, God’s grace remains unchanged. The father in the story eagerly runs to his son, demonstrating how God welcomes us back without concern for appearances or tradition.  

This is the essence of the Gospel: God is always waiting, ready to embrace us when we turn to Him.

Experience God’s Grace at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Palm Beach

At First Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Palm Beach, we celebrate God’s love and forgiveness. Whether you have been faithful your whole life or feel like you have wandered far away, God is always ready to welcome you home.  

Join us for worship, Bible study, and fellowship as we grow in faith together. No one is beyond God’s love, and there is a place for you here. Contact us today to learn more.