What is the parable of the prodigal son?
In Luke 15 Jesus tells of a son who takes his inheritance, wastes it, then returns home to a father who runs to meet him. It is one of Scripture's clearest pictures of God's welcome of every returning sinner.
A younger son asks for his share of the family estate, leaves home, and spends it on reckless living. When famine comes he ends up feeding pigs, longing to eat what they eat. There, alone, 'he came to himself' (Luke 15:17) and decided to return — not as a son, but as a hired hand.
Before he can finish his prepared confession, his father sees him 'a long way off,' runs to meet him, and embraces him. He calls for the best robe, a ring, sandals, and a feast — full restoration. 'This my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found' (Luke 15:24).
The parable also has an older brother — religiously dutiful, but cold. Jesus told the story because the religious leaders were grumbling that he ate with sinners (Luke 15:1–2). Both brothers are loved by the father; both need to come inside. The picture stands as God's answer to anyone who wonders whether they have wandered too far for him to welcome them home.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.