Luke 15:11-32 - The generous father and his two prodigal sons

The story in Luke 15:11-32 is the last parable in a series of three, concerning lost and found. The first is about a lost sheep that was found, and the second is about a lost coin that was found. Now this third one is about a lost son that was found. In this parable, the youngest son, who came to the father to request for his inheritance, is always the focus. He is seen to be the one that is being referred to as the prodigal son. However, the word prodigal has different shades of meaning. It means extravagant, careless and it also means generous.

When the word prodigal is used on the father, we see one who is generous and magnanimous and gives freely. When used on the younger son, we see a self-indulgent man who squandered his life on riotous living. He is one who loves the father’s goods but not the father. But the elder brother was also a prodigal in that he was self-righteous and self-absorbed. He couldn’t see anything but himself. So in a sense, we see three prodigals in this parable: the generous father, the self-indulgent younger son and the self-righteous elder brother.  

The magnanimous and forgiving father is like God. His compassion never ceases. In the story, we learn that despite being snubbed by both sons, He loves over and over again. He accepted the self-indulgent son when he returned with contrition. Not a word was spoken, not even an “I-told-you-so” lecture, but just a generous forgiveness and restoration. This repentant son was given new status (robe), a new authority (signet ring), and a new purpose (shoes). All that the father needed to see was his son’s repentance.

With the elder brother who was self-righteous, He also reached out to him. Gently and tenderly, He explained Himself. He invited the elder brother to see from His perspective. All that He had was also at the elder’s son disposal, he could have the freedom and liberty to use it rightly. But our elder brother, Jesus, took the grace of God and sought for us, His younger wayward brothers and sisters, and brought us home to the Father.

Which of the two brothers are we like? The self-indulgent or the self-righteous one!? Let’s remember that we have a generous and forgiving Father in God. He is always looking out for us. He only has the very best intention for us. When we return to Him with a contrite heart, He will not despise us. He has a generous plan for each one of us. He only wants us to realize His heart, and to move in tandem with His plan and purpose for our lives. Can we not see His tender and loving heart?