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The Gift of Reconciliation

Funke Otiwhor Ajigboye
Apr 25
4 min read

In Luke 15:11-32, we find the parable of the lost son, often referred to as the Prodigal Son. This story tells of a man who had two sons. One day, the younger son demanded his share of his father's inheritance. The father, though saddened, granted his request. Not long after, the younger son journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered all his inheritance on reckless living.

As fate would have it, a severe famine struck that land. The younger son found himself in dire poverty, taking a job feeding pigs. He became so hungry that he longed to eat the food meant for the swine. In his desperation, he came to his senses and realized he needed to return to his father. He decided to ask for forgiveness, acknowledging that he was no longer worthy to be called his son, and hoped his father would accept him as a servant.

As he made his way home, his father saw him from a distance. Filled with compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.'” Luke 15:20-22

The father was overjoyed at the return of his lost son. However, when the older brother learned from a servant that his younger brother had returned and that their father had killed the fatted calf to celebrate, he became angry and refused to join the festivities. The father came out to plead with him, but the older brother expressed his frustration. He pointed out that he had worked hard for his father all these years and had never been given even a young goat to celebrate with his friends, while his father had thrown a feast for the son who had wasted his inheritance.

The Father's Explanation

The father explained the reason for his joy to the older son.

31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’” Luke 15:31-32

The father's reaction to his son's return illustrates God's love for us. The Father represents God, who is always ready to accept those who turn to Him with genuine repentance. The lost son recognized his sins, forsook them, and returned to seek forgiveness. He symbolizes sinners or backsliders who have lost their way. Like the Prodigal Son, they may become impatient with God and separate themselves from His presence, seeking independence and relying on their own understanding instead of God’s guidance.

In his quest for independence, the lost son moved far away from his father’s loving presence, leaving behind the protection, blessings, and goodness that came from being with his father. He sought to satisfy his own desires and, in doing so, fell into a state of sin. Away from his father's care, he lost everything he thought he had.

God Restores Us to Fellowship with Him

When he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion. He ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him. Luke 15:20

Just as the father embraced his son with open arms, reinstating him to his rightful position as his beloved son, God loves us and welcomes us back into His loving embrace. The story of the lost son beautifully illustrates God's love and the restoration of believers into fellowship with Him.

When Jesus died, He paid the price for our redemption from sin, suffering, and destruction. Through Him, we are adopted into God's family. As sons and daughters of God, we are heirs to His kingdom and all that it encompasses. The Prodigal Son was restored to his position as a son. If you genuinely confess your sins, renounce and forsake them like the lost son, God is always ready to forgive, embrace, and restore you.

The elder son represents the self-righteous believer. He expected his father to reject the younger son, believing that his brother did not deserve forgiveness after squandering his share of the inheritance. Yet, their father welcomed him with open arms and celebrated his return. The older brother expressed his displeasure, referring to his younger brother as "your son," as if he no longer recognized him as his brother due to his choices.

But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. Luke 15:28

“But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.” Luke 15:30

How often do we feel that others do not deserve blessings or favor from God? The older son believed that his blessings were based on merit and performance. The father had to remind him of the importance of mercy and forgiveness. God forgives those who genuinely repent of their sins and return to Him.

As we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, let us remember to live a life of holiness, pleasing and obedient to God's will and purpose for our lives.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins and save us from eternal destruction. I ask for grace to live a life that is pleasing in your sight. Help me to walk in obedience to your word and do your will at all times in all areas of my life, in Jesus' name. Amen.