Parable of the Prodigal Son: Verse, Meaning & Lesson

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is in Luke 15:11–32. Jesus told this parable to illustrate that God’s love is unconditional, regardless of one’s past transgressions, and that legalism will not lead to salvation.

This guide gives you a complete summary of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, including the verses in Scripture, the meaning, and lessons that can be applied to the Christian life.

Note: This parable is also referred to as the Parable of the Lost Son or the Two Brothers and the Parable of the Loving Father or the Forgiving Father.

Parable of the Prodigal Son In Scripture

Luke 15:11–32 – Parable of the Prodigal Son

¹¹He said, “A certain man had two sons. ¹² The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of your property.’ So he divided his livelihood between them. ¹³ Not many days after, the younger son gathered all of this together and travelled into a far country. There he wasted his property with riotous living. ¹⁴ When he had spent all of it, there arose a severe famine in that country, and he began to be in need. ¹⁵ He went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs. ¹⁶ He wanted to fill his belly with the pods that the pigs ate, but no one gave him any. ¹⁷ But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough to spare, and I’m dying with hunger! ¹⁸ I will get up and go to my father, and will tell him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. ¹⁹ I am no more worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired servants.” ’

²⁰ “He arose and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him. ²¹ The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

²² “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. ²³ Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let’s eat and celebrate; ²⁴ for this, my son, was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found.’ Then they began to celebrate.

²⁵ “Now his elder son was in the field. As he came near to the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ He called one of the servants to him and asked what was going on. ²⁷ He said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and healthy.’ ²⁸ But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and begged him. ²⁹ But he answered his father, ‘Behold, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed a commandment of yours, but you never gave me a goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. ³⁰ But when this your son came, who has devoured your living with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’

³¹ “He said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. ³² But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.’ ”

Read Luke 15

Parable of the Prodigal Son Meaning

This parable means that God’s love is unconditional, regardless of one’s past transgressions. Jesus used this metaphor to convey the message that God’s grace and forgiveness are available to all who repent for their past sins, symbolizing the joy and celebration of a sinner’s return to righteousness and the loving embrace of a merciful Father.

The younger son’s journey from prideful rebellion to humble repentance also highlights the contrast between legalism and God’s mercy and grace by comparing the attitudes of the two brothers toward their father’s forgiveness.

The younger son, who squanders his inheritance and returns home in repentance, is met with his father’s unconditional love and forgiveness, symbolizing God’s grace. In contrast, the older son, who adheres strictly to duty and obedience, reacts with bitterness when his father celebrates the return of his brother (the prodigal son), reflecting a legalistic mindset that values merit over mercy.

This interpretation suggests that legalism, which focuses on strict adherence to law or tradition, is at odds with the essence of God’s grace, which is freely given and not dependent on one’s adherence to rules.

Parable of the Prodigal Son Lessons

Forgiveness is paramount

A key lesson is that Christians should be ready to forgive one another, just as the father forgives his repentant son, without hesitation or resentment. Doing so mirrors the mercy and grace of God, our heavenly Father.

Repentance is transformative

The parable emphasizes the importance of repentance; turning away from sin and back to God is a crucial step in the Christian journey. Repentance is transformative because it is motivated by love for God and a desire to obey His commandments instead of one’s own sinful desires.

Sin separates, but God restores

In Christianity, sin is viewed as a barrier that disrupts the relationship between individuals and God, leading to spiritual separation. However, the parable teaches that through repentance and God’s forgiving nature of grace, this separation is not permanent.

It is through grace that believers are offered redemption and the opportunity to reconcile with God, despite their unworthiness. This grace is not earned through human actions or deeds but is a gift freely given by God out of His boundless love and compassion.

In essence, this lesson encourages Christians to trust in God’s promise of restoration, remembering that His grace and goodness can ultimately restore what has been lost, drawing them closer to God and discovering the peace, joy, and purpose He desires for them.

Joy in redemption

Another lesson is that there is profound happiness and celebration in heaven that accompany a sinner’s return to righteousness and God’s embrace. This joy is not dependent on earthly circumstances but is rooted in the spiritual reality of being reconciled with the Creator.

Humility over self-righteousness

A deeper lesson is that Christians should not harbor a self-righteous attitude like the older brother but should humbly accept and welcome repentant sinners. The older brother was consumed by his own sense of justice and merit.

Christians should recognize that God’s grace is not something that can be earned through good deeds or moral superiority. It is a gift freely given by God to all, including those who have strayed and returned in repentance. Christians are called to embrace a humble spirit, acknowledging their own need for God’s grace and celebrating the redemption of others, rather than comparing themselves or feeling entitled to God’s favor.

Summary of the Parable of the Prodigal Son

We hope you enjoyed this summary of the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

As you discovered, the Parable of the Prodigal Son appears in Luke 15:11–32. And the primary meaning of the parable is that God’s love is unconditional, regardless of one’s past transgressions, and legalism will not lead to salvation. The life lessons include forgiveness is paramount, repentance is transformative, sin separates but God restores, there is joy in redemption, and Christians should practice humility over self-righteousness.