There are three most important parables of Jesus in Chapter 15 of the Gospel of St. Luke: the lost sheep, the lost coin and the prodigal son. The first parable is about the sheep, lost from the flock and the loving shepherd who brings the sheep back on his shoulders. The second parable tells about the lost coin and the owner who finds it out.

In the parable of the prodigal son, there is the picture of the son who lost everything. He returns weak and tired and the loving father embraces his son and receives him with honor, forgiving him.

The prodigal son left his home, lived in his own selfish ways and suffered as a result of his wicked life. He stands for humanity as a whole. By the end of the first parable Jesus says "There will be joy in heaven over the one sinner who repents." This is explained in this parable. When the lost son returns all rejoice at his home coming. His is given the best robe, ring in his finger, shoes on his feet. He is honored with a grand feast and there is great rejoicing. But the eldest son is not happy over this. He is angry because the son who lived in wayward ways is given more honor than the son who obeys his father and lives with him. The elder son says that his father has done injustice. But the father is only expressing his great love for his lost son who repents and comes back. Our heavenly Father, like this father, will show great love towards the sinner who repents an this idea is made clear in this parable.

Although we are sinners and lead a bad life, and if we return to God in repentence, He will forgive us and provide us with happiness, peace and salvation. Then we need not worry about what to eat and what to wear. We have to obey Him, follow Him and be like the heavenly Father. This is the life in God. We have got some responsibilities when we are accepted as His children. Our responsibilities are to believe in Christ, to follow Him, to learn from Him and to grow to perfection like Him. It is not advisable for the sons of the loving Father to go after the world and its pleasures.

Memorization: (John 6:37)
"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and him who comes to me I will not cast out."

Questions:

1. What is the lesson taught through the parable of the prodigal son?
2. What is the attitude of God towards the sinner who repents?
3. What are the responsibilities of the man who is accepted as the son of God?