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The Prodigal Son is a parable taught by Jesus to convey God's unbounded love and forgiveness.  This parable appears only in the [[Gospel of Luke]].  Like all of Jesus' parables, its message transcends language and cultural differences.

The '''Prodigal Son''' is a parable taught by [[Jesus]] to convey God's unbounded love and forgiveness.  This parable appears only in the [[Gospel of Luke]].  Like all of Jesus' parables, its message transcends language and cultural differences.

The parable, set forth at Luke 15:11-32 (NIV), is as follows:<ref>http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=lu+15:11&version=niv&context=1&showtools=1</ref>

The parable, set forth at Luke 15:11-32 (NIV), is as follows:<ref>http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=lu+15:11&version=niv&context=1&showtools=1</ref>

== Interpretation ==

== Interpretation ==

The parable has several key elements.  The prodigal (wasteful) son does not return until he begins to judge his own conduct and situation objectively.<ref>Luke 15:13-16 (NIV)</ref>  Until that point, he is like others who insist on rejecting God for something far worse than what God routinely provides to everyone, family and worker alike.<ref>Luke 15:17-20 (NIV)</ref>  When the prodigal son does return, his father (God) rushes out to meet him "while he was still a long way off."<ref>Luke 15:20 (NIV)</ref>  Finally, God's rejection of his other son's objection shows that God's forgiveness is always available, regardless of inconsistent treatment of those seeking for it.<ref>Luke 15:28-32 (NIV)</ref>  Put another way, it is never too late to ask for forgiveness from God.

The parable has several key elements.  The prodigal (wasteful) son does not return until he begins to judge his own conduct and situation objectively.<ref>Luke 15:13-16 (NIV)</ref>  Until that point, he is like others who insist on rejecting God for something far worse than what God routinely provides to everyone, family and worker alike.<ref>Luke 15:17-20 (NIV)</ref>  When the prodigal son does return, his father (God) rushes out to meet him "while he was still a long way off."<ref>Luke 15:20 (NIV)</ref>  Finally, God's rejection of his other son's objection shows that God's forgiveness is always available, regardless of inconsistent treatment of those seeking for it.<ref>Luke 15:28-32 (NIV)</ref>  Put another way, it is never too late to ask for forgiveness from God.

== References ==

== References ==

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