04/04/2026
THE STORY OF THE PRODIGAL SON
Jesus told a story in Luke 15:11-32 that still speaks to every heart today.
It sounds simple at first.
A father had two sons.
One stayed.
One walked away.
But if we listen closely, we begin to see ourselves in this story.
The younger son wanted independence. He wanted freedom. But he did not want the father. He said, “Father, give me my share of the estate.” Luke 15:12 NIV.
In those days, asking for the inheritance early was like saying, I wish you were already gone. I want what you can give me, but not you.
And the father let him go.
Have you ever wondered why? Why did the father not stop him? Why did he not argue?
Because love does not force. Love allows choice.
The son left home and went far away. He chased what looked exciting. Luke 15:13 NIV says, “He set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.”
For a while, life probably felt good. New friends. No rules. No father telling him what to do.
But then the money ran out.
And when the money disappeared, so did the people. Luke 15:14 NIV says, “After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.”
Is it not interesting how quickly things change?
He found himself feeding pigs. For a Jewish man, that was shameful. Luke 15:16 NIV says, “He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.”
This is where the real change began. Not when he was rich. Not when he was popular. But when he was broken.
Verse 17 says, “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!’” Luke 15:17 NIV.
Sometimes clarity only comes when pride is gone.
He made a plan. He would go back. But notice what he expected. He said, “I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.” Luke 15:19 NIV.
He was not asking to be restored. He just wanted to survive.
Have you ever felt that way? Like you went too far? Like maybe God would take you back, but only as a servant, not as a child?
Now comes the most beautiful part of the story.
Luke 15:20 NIV says, “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
The father saw him first.
That means he was watching. He had not forgotten. He had not moved on.
The father did not wait for a full speech. He did not stand with crossed arms. He did not say, You made your bed, now lie in it.
He ran.
In that culture, fathers did not run. It was undignified. But love does not worry about dignity.
The son began his apology. “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” Luke 15:21 NIV.
But before he could finish, the father called for a robe, a ring, and sandals. Luke 15:22 NIV says, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.”
A robe meant honor.
A ring meant belonging.
Sandals meant he was not a servant.
Then came a feast. Luke 15:23 to 24 NIV says, “Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate.
Why celebrate?
Because the father was not interested in reminding his son of his failure. He was restoring him to his identity.
But the story does not end there.
The older brother was angry. He had stayed. He had obeyed. He had followed the rules. Yet he could not celebrate grace.
Luke 15:28 NIV says, “The older brother became angry and refused to go in.”
He was near the father in body. But his heart was far away.
This is the quiet warning.
You can be far from God through rebellion.
Or you can be far from God through pride.
The younger son said, Give me what is mine.
The older son said, Look at what I have earned.
Both misunderstood the father.
This story is not really about two sons. It is about a Father.
A Father who allows choice.
A Father who watches the road.
A Father who runs toward broken hearts.
A Father who says, “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Luke 15:24 NIV.
Maybe you feel like the younger son. Far away. Ashamed. Unsure if you can return.
Maybe you feel like the older son. Doing the right things, but carrying quiet resentment.
Wherever you are, the Father’s heart is the same.
He is not waiting to shame you.
He is not waiting to punish you.
He is watching.
And when you turn toward home, grace is already running toward you.
By pastor Joel Leto of the Believers Restoration Ministries Uganda BRMU
