Bible moment
The Bible moment
Jesus tells this parable in Luke 15:11–32. After asking for his share of the family property, the younger son leaves home and wastes it in reckless living. When famine comes, he becomes needy and decides to return, confess his wrongdoing, and ask to be treated as a hired servant. While he is still far away, his father sees him, feels compassion, runs to him, embraces him, and kisses him. The father then tells his servants to bring the best robe, a ring, and sandals. He calls for celebration because his son was lost and has been found. This language describes the son’s lost condition and restored relationship, not a literal death and resurrection. The parable later shows the older son’s resentment, while the father explains that rejoicing is fitting because his brother has returned. The passage ends with the father’s appeal; it does not tell whether the older son joins the celebration.
