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Concept
Parable of the Prodigal Son
Summary
The Parable of the Prodigal Son (also known as the parable of the Two Brothers, Lost Son, Loving Father, or of the Forgiving Father) is one of the parables of Jesus in the Bible, appearing in Luke 15:11–32. The setting in vv. 1-3 has Jesus tell three stories to a group of Pharisees and scribes who were complaining that he welcomes and eats with sinners: (1) a man throws a party after finding the one lost sheep among his one hundred sheep (vv. 4–7); (2) a woman throws a party after finding the one lost coin among her ten coins (vv. 8–10); (3) a man throws a party after finding the one lost son among his two sons. The first two stories are said to typify the celestial party when sinners repent. This progressive set of narratives climaxes with the third story, which best reflects the setting. The refusal of the older son to join the party directly relates to the refusal of Jesus' hearers to join him in partying with the sinners who had come to him. Likewise, the incomplete third story—we don't know if the older son ever joined the party—parallels the situation of Jesus' listeners—do they ever come to accept sinners as he does? More importantly, do they ever come to accept heaven's joy at the repentance of sinners?
In Revised Common Lectionary and Roman Rite Catholic Lectionary, this parable is read on the fourth Sunday of Lent (in Year C); in the latter it is also included in the long form of the Gospel on the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time in Year C, along with the preceding two parables of the cycle. In the Eastern Orthodox Church it is read on the Sunday of the Prodigal Son.
The parable begins with a man who had two sons, and the younger of them asks his father to give him his share of the estate. The implication is the son could not wait for his father's death for his inheritance, he wanted it immediately. The father agrees and divides his estate between both sons.
Upon receiving his portion of the inheritance, the younger son travels to a distant country, where he indulges in extravagant living.
Official source
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