Photo by Pompeo Batoni
Prodigal Son
The Prodigal Son is a term generally used to describe someone who is superfluous with material goods given by parents. While this is similar to what the original story teaches, it isn’t identical. In fact, it’s telling has been skewed over the many years since it is said to have occurred.
The actual story does tell of a son that is not able to make it on his own–who at first seems faithful, but really isn’t deep inside. Over the course of the parable, two brothers go into very different life directions. A very rich father gives the worst of the two everything he wants, but the sinning brother continues to become lost. This brother eventually decides to return, at which point his father forgives him and accepts him back into the family without hesitation. This parable teaches that God always forgives his lost sheep, and that followers should be content with what God gives them in life.
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