The prodigal son (3) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

When he came to himself, he said, How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants. And he arose and came to his father.
Luke 15:17-20

The prodigal son (3)
In the deepest misery, when the prodigal son was on the point of starving to death, he came to himself. From the dream of all the attractions of the world that had captivated him he woke up. Now he realised the world's true character and formed a correct assessment of himself and his father. He decided to return home and actually set off.

In the two parables that precede that of the prodigal son we find a similar turning-point. The Good Shepherd finds the lost sheep and carries it back home, or as the Holy Spirit brings divine light to shine on man's heart and conscience (cf. Luke 15:1-10).

With the example of the prodigal son we learn how a sinner repents and thoroughly changes his attitude. He acknowledges how wrong his pathway apart from God has been and does not hesitate to describe it as sin. He regrets his self-willed way of life and is prepared to confess it before God as guilt. He now knows that God alone has the answers to his questions and needs.

When the prodigal set out to return, he had won back his trust in his father, but he had no idea how he would be received. A sinner, similarly, cannot at that moment imagine that God will not only forgive him, but also richly reward him.

(to be continued on Friday)

Today's reading: Jeremiah 46:1-28 · Romans 12:9-15