Parables of Jesus · New Testament
The Story of the Prodigal Son
A younger son wastes his inheritance, comes home hoping to be a hired servant, and is welcomed by a father who runs to meet him; the older brother refuses to join the celebration.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Tax collectors and sinners come to listen to Jesus, and the Pharisees and scribes grumble that he welcomes them and eats with them. Jesus answers with three parables about something lost and found: a sheep, a coin and a son. Luke 15:1–3Luke 15:4–10
In the third parable a father has two sons. The younger is welcomed home with a feast; the older is angry, and the father goes out to plead with him too. The story ends without telling us what the older son decides. Luke 15:11–32
Principal passages
People in this story
- Jesus The Story of Jesus
Places named
- A far country Luke 15:13
Only places the passages name. Locations are not guessed.
The story, event by event
In the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here.
Lost and found
The Pharisees and scribes grumble that Jesus welcomes sinners. He tells of a shepherd who searches for one lost sheep and a woman who searches for one lost coin, each rejoicing when it is found, as heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents.
People: Jesus
The younger son leaves
The younger son asks for his share of the estate, travels to a far country and wastes it in reckless living. A famine comes, and he takes work feeding pigs, longing to eat what they eat.
People: Jesus
He comes to himself
He realises his father’s hired servants have more than enough. He decides to go home and say, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no more worthy to be called your son.”
People: Jesus
The father runs
While he is still far off, his father sees him, is moved with compassion, runs, embraces and kisses him. Before the son finishes his speech the father calls for the best robe, a ring, sandals and a feast: “This, my son, was dead, and is alive again.”
People: Jesus
The older brother
The older son hears the music and refuses to go in. His father comes out and pleads with him. The son says he has served for years without a feast; the father answers, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours,” but they had to celebrate.
People: Jesus
Connected themes
- Grace Illustrates the theme
The father’s welcome goes far beyond what the son asked for. Luke 15:22–24
- Forgiveness
The father welcomes his son before the son has finished his confession. Luke 15:20–22
- Repentance Illustrates the theme
The son comes to himself and returns. Luke 15:17–20
- Joy
The parables of Luke 15 end in celebration. Luke 15:32
Related life situations
- Forgiving Someone
A father’s ready forgiveness. Luke 15:20
- Family Conflict
A father, two sons and an angry older brother. Luke 15:28–32
Questions for study
Written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
- Who is Jesus speaking to in Luke 15:1-3, and how might each son represent someone in that audience?
- What does the younger son plan to say, and what does the father do before he can finish?
- How does the older son describe himself and his brother in Luke 15:29-30?
- Why do you think the parable ends without telling us whether the older son went in?
Study guides
- The Parables of Jesus
The prodigal son as a story page. Luke 15:11–32
Reading plans
- Understanding Forgiveness
The plan reads this parable on one of its days.
Use offline
Save this story on your device, then download the Bible books it uses in your version: Luke. The study keeps only its own notes and references; the Scripture comes from the books on your device, never a second copy.