The Lost Son

Luke 15: 11-32
To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.
13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.
17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’
20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’
22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, 26 and he asked one of the servants what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’
28 “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, 29 but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’
31 “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”

Although the main message of the parable is about God's forgiveness and unconditional love, Jesus uses money and an inheritance to teach valuable lessons about stewardship and financial responsibility.

How Is This Parable Linked to Money?
1. Money Without Wisdom Can Be Lost Quickly
The younger son received a large inheritance, but he had no plan for managing it. Instead of using it wisely, he spent it on temporary pleasures until nothing remained.
Financial Lesson:
Having money is not enough, you must know how to manage it wisely.
Application:
• Create a budget.
• Avoid impulsive spending.
• Think about the long-term consequences of financial decisions.

2. Poor Financial Decisions Have Consequences
After wasting his money, the younger son faced hardship. He experienced hunger, poverty, and regret because he had not planned for the future.
Financial Lesson:
Today's financial choices shape tomorrow's circumstances.
Application:
• Build savings for unexpected situations.
• Live within your means.
• Avoid spending everything you receive.

3. It Is Never Too Late to Make Better Financial Choices
The younger son recognized his mistakes and changed direction. Although he could not recover the money he had lost, he could change the way he lived.
Financial Lesson:
Financial mistakes do not have to define your future.
Application:
• Learn from past mistakes.
• Start budgeting today.
• Develop healthier financial habits.
• Take the first step toward financial stability.