The Parable Of The Prodigal Son From The King James Bible

The “Parable of the Prodigal Son” from the King James Bible is, like much of the Bible, written to have more meaning than just a mere, even entertaining, story. Each story has a message that is meant for the reader to learn from. But what messages can a prodigal son, a forgiving father, and an angry elder brother teach a reader of the King James Bible? How do they relate to us in our everyday lives, and how may they relate to us and our relationship with God Himself? The three messages to be taught by the prodigal son, the forgiving father, and the angry brother may seem obscure, but are actually right there, staring each and every reader in the face.

The first message is the recklessness and temptations of man. The prodigal son asks for his inheritance, and the father gives it to him in good faith. The son then proceeds to spend until he has nothing left to spend, and then he is impoverished and tired with no means to survive. The prodigal son represents man, with all his recklessness and all
We as people expect to be rewarded for our good behavior, and to be thrashed when we make terrible mistakes. But sometimes asking forgiveness, whether it be from fellow man or God Himself, is all that is needed. Letting your pride get the better of you and letting it overshadow any compassion or grace in your heart is a sin, even if it may not seem like one. The three messages to be taught by the prodigal son, the forgiving father, and the angry brother may seem obscure, but are actually right there, staring each and every reader in the face. The ability to realize our sins and mistakes, and to ask forgiveness; the ability to realize that God is forgiveness, and no matter how shameful the sin, sometimes asking for forgiveness is all that’s needed; and to not let pride, hate, and selfishness impair your ability to forgive and forget, and to show compassion and mercy when