Origin: Luke 15:11-32 in the Bible
Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there lived a father and his two sons. The younger son was restless and eager to explore the world beyond their small village. He said to his father, “Father, give me my share of the inheritance now.”
Although the father was saddened by his son’s request, he divided his property between his two sons. The younger son packed his belongings and set off to a distant land, full of excitement and adventure.
In the new land, the young son lived extravagantly, spending his money on parties and luxuries. But soon, a famine swept through the land, and the young son found himself with no money and no friends. He was hungry and alone.
Feeling ashamed and desperate, the young son decided to return to his father’s house. He rehearsed what he would say along the way, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Please, just let me work as one of your hired servants.”
As the young son approached his village, his heart pounded with fear. But to his surprise, his father saw him from afar and ran to him with open arms. The father embraced his son and kissed him, overjoyed to see him again.
The young son began his rehearsed speech, but the father interrupted him and said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
The whole village rejoiced at the return of the lost son. They gathered for a grand feast, and everyone celebrated with music and dancing.
Meanwhile, the older son, who had stayed faithfully with his father, heard the sounds of celebration and asked a servant what was happening. When he learned that his younger brother had returned and that his father was throwing a feast in his honor, the older son became angry and refused to join the celebration.
The father went out to plead with his older son, “My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was lost and is found.”
And so, children, the story of the Lost Son teaches us about forgiveness, love, and second chances. It shows us that no matter how far we wander, God’s love is always waiting for us with open arms. Just like the father in the story, God forgives us when we come back to Him with a humble heart.
