Parable of the prodigal son

The parable of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15:11–32, is a profound illustration of God’s grace, forgiveness, and the redemptive work of Christ. This parable encapsulates key doctrines of human depravity, sovereign grace, and the joy of reconciliation between God and sinners.

The Narrative and Its Characters

The parable describes a father with two sons. The younger son demands his inheritance, squanders it in reckless living, and finds himself destitute in a foreign land. In desperation, he resolves to return to his father, confess his unworthiness, and offer himself as a servant. Upon his return, the father runs to embrace him, restoring him to his status as a son and celebrating his return. The elder son, however, reacts with resentment, refusing to join the celebration, exposing his self-righteousness and misunderstanding of his father's grace.

Reformed Themes in the Parable

1. Human Depravity and Sin’s Consequences
   The younger son’s actions represent humanity’s rebellion against God. In demanding his inheritance, he essentially wishes his father dead, which reflects humanity’s rejection of God as sovereign Lord. His descent into poverty and despair illustrates the devastating consequences of sin, highlighting the doctrine of total depravity, which teaches that apart from God’s grace, humanity is spiritually destitute and alienated from Him (Romans 3:10–12).

2. God’s Sovereign Grace and Initiative
   The father’s response to the son’s return exemplifies God’s sovereign grace. Before the son can fully articulate his repentance, the father runs to embrace him, a culturally undignified act that reveals the depth of his love and forgiveness. This symbolizes God’s initiative in salvation, where He seeks and redeems sinners while they are still far off (Romans 5:8). The father’s actions demonstrate that reconciliation is based on God’s grace, not human merit.

3. Repentance as a Gift of God
   The son’s return signifies repentance, which is understood as a response to God’s regenerating work in the heart (Acts 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25). While the son recognizes his sin and returns, it is ultimately the father’s loving welcome that restores the relationship. This underscores the emphasis that repentance and faith are gifts of God, not works initiated by the sinner.

4. The Joy of Redemption
   The father’s celebration with a feast illustrates the heavenly joy over a sinner’s salvation (Luke 15:7). This reflects the glory God receives in the redemption of His people. The restored son is clothed and fed, symbolizing the imputed righteousness of Christ and the spiritual provision God gives to His children (Isaiah 61:10; Philippians 4:19).

5. The Danger of Self-Righteousness
   The elder son represents the Pharisees and those who trust in their works for justification. His refusal to celebrate reveals his failure to grasp the nature of grace, which cannot be earned. This highlights as a warning against self-righteousness and an encouragement to embrace the gospel’s free offer of salvation.

Application in the Reformed Tradition

This parable calls believers to marvel at God’s lavish grace and to humbly recognize their unworthiness apart from Christ. It encourages the church to reflect the father’s love in welcoming repentant sinners and to rejoice in God’s saving work. Ultimately, the parable magnifies the glory of God in His sovereign grace and the joy of restored fellowship with Him.