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The Parable Of The Prodigal Son

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In a world filled with broken relationships, deep love and hope can be found through the lessons learned from the story of The Parable of the Prodigal Son. The main character in this parable, is the prodigal son, whose character changes dramatically throughout the story and is the resemblance of life itself and its journey through sin and change of heart. In telling the story, Jesus identifies Himself with God in His loving attitude to the lost. The prodigal son symbolizes the lost. The major theme of this parable seems not to be so much the conversion of the sinner, but rather the restoration of a believer into fellowship with his Father. In this story the graciousness of the father is shown through overshadowing the sinfulness of the…show more content…
At this point he sells himself into physical slavery to a Gentile and finds himself feeding pigs. Obviously, he must have been desperate enough at that point to willingly enter into such a depressing situation. It is also ironic that his choices led him to a position in which he had no choice but to work, doing the very things he refused to do for his father. Even more ironic he was granted so little pay that he had to eat the pig’s food. Just when he must have thought life could not get any worse, he couldn’t even get mercy from the people. Once his wealth was gone, so were his friends. The reading clearly says, “No one gave him anything”. Even these unclean animals seemed to be better off than he was at this point. The son is soon awaken by the fact that sin always promises more than it gives, it takes you further than you wanted to go, and leaves you worse off than you were before. He learned the hard way that sin promises freedom but brings slavery.
The son begins to reflect on his father 's servants and even realize that they have it better off than him. His circumstance helps him to see his father in a new perspective. The son then devises a plan of action. Though at a quick glance it may seem that he may not be truly repentant, but rather being motivated by his hunger. He is willing to give up his rights as his father’s son and take on the position of his servant. One
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