Parable of the Prodigal Son Term Paper

Parable of the Prodigal Son

Among the multitude of lessons taught within the Holy Bible, perhaps none are more widely recognized by devotees and layman alike than the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Found within the Gospel of Luke (Luke 15:11 -- 32), this parable tells of a father torn between his two beloved sons, and the bargain he must make to satisfy a pair of sons both yearning for his approval. By acceding to his younger son's demands for half of the family estate, the father in this parable is demonstrating that he holds an equal amount of love in his heart for both of his progeny, which is tantamount to the love God has for every one of His children.

When the younger son immediately displays his irresponsibility and travels to a foreign land to live wildly, he has forsaken his father's gift of early inheritance, and indeed his love, to indulge in the worldly pleasures afforded to him. His inglorious return home from a life of squalor and sin represents an opportunity for redemption, and the father immediately forgives his younger son's trespasses and orders a lavish celebration be thrown in his honor.The younger son is thus taught the value of real family, the mercy of unconditional love, and the transformative power of true forgiveness, and the lessons he learns are clear: Loyalty to those who love you is paramount and a godly life is one worth living.

While the younger son's journey from impetuousness to piousness is laudable indeed, the moral dilemma foisted upon his older brother bears further examination. During a time when the younger brother should rightfully be….....