Redemption In The Prodigal Son

The story of “the Prodigal Son” as told in the gospel of Luke is one of redemption by grace. Collins English Dictionary defines redemption in one way as “removal of a financial obligation by paying off a note, bond, etc.” This definition gives a very clear picture of what is going on in this story.
The forgiving father in this story is a picture of God. Instead of going off on his son when he asks for his inheritance - the equivalent of saying “you’re dead to me” – he graciously gives him what he desires. Very often in the Christian’s walk, he thinks he knows what he wants – so he goes on his own way, apart from God. Rather than punishing, God lets man to his own way, and man inevitably comes to the end of his rope. The prodigal son “waste[s]

This is likely not what the prodigal son expects after the way he treated his father. This is grace: getting what you do not deserve. The son repents as planned, but before he can even ask to be made merely as a servant, the father interrupts and orders the actual servants to begin the celebration in honor of his return. When the Christian turns back towards God, God rejoices because “my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found” (Par 4) It is by his mercy that he does not get the punishment he deserves, and it is by grace that he is still a child of God, redeemed. The Christian’s obligation to pay his debt incurred by sin, has already been paid. Ephesians 1:7 says, “He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins” (New Living

When the prodigal son returns, the older brother is angry with the father for throwing a party. He says to him, “Look how many years I’ve stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast!” (Luke 15:29-30 The Message). Some people might relate with the older brother. They have not turned their backs on God, and yet those who have are not punished for it, but their return is celebrated. Some may see this as injustice as the older son does – but the father has something else to