Salvation in Christ: The Story of the Prodigal Son
The gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of love, redemption, and reconciliation. No matter how far a person has wandered, God’s grace is always calling them home. God is love and his desire is for us all to accept his love and surrender our lives to him.
One of the most beautiful illustrations of salvation and redemption is found in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). This story is a powerful picture of God’s love for sinners and His willingness to forgive all who turn back to Him.
The Prodigal Son’s Rebellion
Jesus tells of a young man who demanded his share of his father’s inheritance and left home to live as he pleased. With his wealth, he indulged in reckless living, wasting everything on temporary pleasures. Eventually, a famine struck the land, and he found himself destitute, hungry, and working among pigs—in fact, he had to eat out of the Pigs food to survive.
Then he realised one day that even the servants in his father’s house lived better than he did. In humility, he resolved to go back home, not as a son but as a servant, believing he had lost the right to be called his father’s child.
The Father’s Heart
As the son approached home, something incredible happened. His father, who had been always watching and waiting—believing that one his son would return home, saw him from a distance. Instead of rejecting or punishing him, the father ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. Before the son could even finish his prepared speech of repentance, the father called for the best robe, a ring, and a feast to celebrate his return.
This reaction is shocking—especially in that culture, where a father running to a rebellious son was unheard of — but this is the heart of God toward sinners. He is not waiting with anger but with open arms, ready to receive those who come to Him.
A Picture of Salvation
The prodigal son’s journey mirrors the spiritual condition of humanity. We have all sinned and turned away from God (Romans 3:23). Like the prodigal, many seek fulfillment in the world, chasing after things that can never satisfy — but when we come to the end of ourselves, we realize our need for God.
The father’s response represents God’s grace through Christ. Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). When a sinner repents, heaven rejoices (Luke 15:7). There is no sin too great, no distance too far—God welcomes all who turn to Him in faith.
Come Home Today
If you feel far from God, know this: His love is still reaching out to you. Salvation is not about earning your way back but receiving the gift of grace through Jesus Christ. Just as the father embraced his son, God is ready to receive you, forgive you, and restore you as His child.
No matter what you’ve done or how long you’ve been away, today can be the day you come home. Will you turn to Him?
Reflection
Have you tried to live a life apart from God? Would you like to take the step of faith today? Jesus is waiting with open arms.
Prayer
If you feel the Lord calling you home, pray this prayer from your heart:
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today, knowing that I have strayed from Your path. I have sought fulfillment in things that cannot satisfy, and I have turned away from Your love. But today, I choose to return to You.
Thank You for Your love and for never giving up on me. I confess my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. Wash me clean, restore me, and help me walk in Your ways. I believe in Jesus Christ, who died for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I surrender to You.
Thank You for welcoming me home. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
If this blessed you please share with someone today.
Called to Priesthood 