Thesis: The parable of the prodigal son teaches that no matter how far we’ve wandered, God is always waiting with open arms, ready to restore us to our rightful place in His family. By choosing Christ as Lord and Savior, we embrace a life of purpose, freedom, and eternal inheritance, breaking free from negative self-talk and worldly limitations. Returning to God is more than a moment—it’s a transformative journey that begins with a simple decision to come home.
The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)
11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17 “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! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.
“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.
21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
In the parable of the lost son (Luke 15:11-32), we see a powerful story of redemption and restoration. The younger son, eager to explore life on his own terms, demands his share of the inheritance and squanders it in reckless living. When famine strikes, he finds himself in desperate need, longing for the food the pigs were eating (Luke 15:16). Yet, in his lowest moment, he comes to his senses and decides to return to his father, believing he is no longer worthy to be called a son (Luke 15:18-19). But instead of judgment, the father, filled with compassion, runs to meet him, welcomes him home, and celebrates his return (Luke 15:20-24).
Similarly, when you decide to return to God, it’s not just about attending a church service—it’s a profound, deliberate choice to experience His love and grace anew. Whether you’ve drifted from faith or faced challenges that caused you to turn away, God is always waiting with open arms, ready to restore you. You might feel unworthy, like the prodigal son, but God sees you as His beloved child and rejoices when you return to Him (Luke 15:7).
Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior means acknowledging Him as the ruler of your life and the one who saves you from sin and its consequences. Jesus, fully human and fully divine (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9), offers us forgiveness, eternal life, and the chance to live in freedom (Romans 6:22). While other religions may focus on reaching God, Christianity is about a relationship where God reaches out to you. As the Bible tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son” (John 3:16). God’s love for you is constant, and He is always calling you back to your true identity in Him (Ephesians 2:4-5).
We often let the world define us, losing sight of who we truly are—children of God (1 John 3:1). The enemy may whisper lies, and we might even speak negatively about ourselves. But the truth is, you are who God says you are. As the Bible says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). What you believe about yourself matters. God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), giving you a fresh start to realign with His purpose for your life.
The world may tell you that living a life for Christ isn’t necessary or that it’s too difficult. But the reality is, salvation and living a holy life are not only possible but also deeply fulfilling. Choosing Christ will only improve your life (John 10:10). The invitation is always open to come home—back to the love of your Heavenly Father (Matthew 11:28-30).
Like the prodigal son, you may have wandered away or let old habits become strongholds in your life. But those habits don’t have to define you. You can always return to the foundation God has laid for you (2 Timothy 2:19). My late mother, Evangelist Carolyn Johnson, would remind me, “Remember what you’ve been taught; don’t step away.” God is always waiting, just like the father in the parable, patiently calling you back to your first love (Revelation 2:4-5).
Every day is a new opportunity to return to Christ. You’ve been in this place of struggle long enough, but the battle is over (Deuteronomy 2:3). Don’t let negative self-talk or doubt keep you from your inheritance. You are a child of the King (Romans 8:16-17), and God is ready to welcome you home. All you have to do is say, “Lord, I want you to be my Lord and Savior,” and step by step, you can live your new life in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10).
Challenges:
- Challenge to Reconnect with God: Take time each day to reconnect with God through prayer and reflection, even if it feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Challenge yourself to prioritize your relationship with Him and seek His guidance in your life.
- Challenge to Break Negative Self-Talk: Identify and challenge any negative self-talk or limiting beliefs you have about yourself. Replace these thoughts with affirmations based on God’s truth about who you are—His beloved child.
- Challenge to Return to Community: If you’ve distanced yourself from the church or community, make a conscious effort to reconnect, whether by attending church, joining a small group, or engaging in fellowship. Reflect on how this reconnection can strengthen your spiritual journey.
Reflection Questions:
- What lies or negative thoughts have you been telling yourself that are preventing you from experiencing the fullness of your relationship with God?
- How does understanding God’s unconditional love and open arms, like the father in the parable, change the way you view your past mistakes and your future with Him?
- In what ways can returning to God and choosing to live for Christ help you overcome struggles, habits, or strongholds in your life? What steps can you take today to move toward that transformation?
For Further Reading
Nouwen, H. J. M. (1992). The return of the prodigal son: A story of homecoming. Image Books.
Warren, R. (2002). The purpose driven life: What on earth am I here for? Zondervan.
Lewis, C. S. (2023). Mere Christianity. HarperCollins.
Lucado, M. (2014). Grace: More than we deserve, greater than we imagine. Thomas Nelson.
Keller, T. (2011). The prodigal God: Recovering the heart of the Christian faith. Riverhead Books.