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| | The [[Parable]] of the '''Prodigal Son''' is one of the greatest teachings in the [[Bible]], illustrating the importance of viewing one's own shortcomings objectively and embarking on a path of self-improvement. '''''The turning point is when the son recognizes and admits to himself that he was applying a [[double standard]] against his own father'''''. | | The [[Parable]] of the '''Prodigal Son''' is one of the greatest teachings in the [[Bible]], illustrating the importance of viewing one's own shortcomings objectively and embarking on a path of self-improvement. '''''The turning point is when the son recognizes and admits to himself that he was applying a [[double standard]] against his own father'''''. |
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| − | 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, is as follows:<ref>[http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=lu+15:11&version=niv&context=1&showtools=1 Luke 15:11-32 ([[CBP]])</ref> | + | 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, is as follows:<ref>See Luke 15:11-32 in ([[CBP]])</ref> |
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| | :Jesus said, "A man had two sons. The younger son said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of your inheritance.' And his father gave him half of his wealth. | | :Jesus said, "A man had two sons. The younger son said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of your inheritance.' And his father gave him half of his wealth. |
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| | :He came to his senses, saying, 'How many of my father's servants have plenty of bread, and yet I'm starving to death!' I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you, And I am unworthy of being called your son: treat me as you would a hired hand instead.' | | :He came to his senses, saying, 'How many of my father's servants have plenty of bread, and yet I'm starving to death!' I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you, And I am unworthy of being called your son: treat me as you would a hired hand instead.' |
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| − | :And so he got up, and headed back to his father. But when he was still far from home, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran to him, and embraced him, and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you, and I am unworthy of being called your son. | + | :And so he got up, and headed back to his father. But when he was still far from home, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran to him, and embraced him, and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you, and I am unworthy of being called your son.' |
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| | :But the father said to his servants, 'Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring the finest calf here, and butcher it; and let us eat, and celebrate: For my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to celebrate. | | :But the father said to his servants, 'Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring the finest calf here, and butcher it; and let us eat, and celebrate: For my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to celebrate. |
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| | :Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew near the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called to one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And the servant replied, 'Your brother has come home; and your father is serving the finest calf, because he has been returned to him safe and sound.' And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore his father came out, and pleaded with him. | | :Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew near the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called to one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And the servant replied, 'Your brother has come home; and your father is serving the finest calf, because he has been returned to him safe and sound.' And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore his father came out, and pleaded with him. |
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| − | :And in answer to his father he said,'Look, in all these many years I have served you, I have never gone against your will: and yet you never gave me such a feast, that I might celebrate with my friends: But as soon as this son returned, who had squandered his inheritance from you on prostitutes, you've given up your finest calf in honor of him.' And the father responded, saying 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It is fitting that we should celebrate though, and be glad: for this man your brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. | + | :And in answer to his father he said,'Look, in all these many years I have served you, I have never gone against your will: and yet you never gave me such a feast, that I might celebrate with my friends: But as soon as this son returned, who had squandered his inheritance from you on prostitutes, you've given up your finest calf in honor of him.' And the father responded, saying 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It is fitting that we should celebrate though, and be glad: for this man your brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found." |
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| | == Interpretation == | | == Interpretation == |