Parable of the Prodigal Son

‎Most noted of all the parables of this period is that of the prodigal son. It was related in answer to some Pharisees who sneered at Jesus for eating with sinners. The Master reminded them first of how, when a lost sheep was found, the shepherd would rejoice and bear it on his shoulders. These sinners were His lost sheep. “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repent, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”

‎Then He told of the son who, having secured from his father his share of the inheritance, went forth and squandered it in riotous living until he was penniless and was reduced to tending swine for a bare existence. At length the shamed son returned to his home; whereon the father welcomed him and made a feast for him. A good son, who had stayed by the father, protested angrily that no feast had been made for him. The father consoled him, saying, “Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.”Yet the father insisted also that they should rejoice, “For this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.”