The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a well-known account in the Bible. A younger son took his inheritance and wasted it. He came to his senses and decided to return to his father. He did not return expecting to be accepted as a son. Instead, he intended to ask his father to make him a slave. At least, he would have something to eat. He had become so poor that he had nothing.
On his return, his father gladly welcomed him. He made a big celebration for his son. He was so happy that his son had returned.
The older son was not happy that his brother had returned. Luke 15:28 says, “He was angry.” This word translates a Greek word that means a long-held anger. This was not just a rush of emotion. This older brother had disliked his brother for a long time. In addition, he had not loved his father properly for a long time either. This anger finally came out on this occasion.
The older brother refused to go into the celebration. The father came out and talked with him. In verse 28, we read, “Therefore his father came out and pleaded [“intreated” KJV] with him.” The word “intreated” is in a tense that means the father asked him over and over. The father knew that this son was lacking love. He knew that this son had an anger problem. Yet, the father continued to plead for his son to make those things right in his life. He wanted to have both sons in the celebration.
God loves you. If you turn from Him, He will still love you. Further, He will continue to intreat you to come to Him and to His other children. Today, God’s children are Christians.
Study your Bible. Love God. Obey Him. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
