Prodigal
Son
HabeshaFaith
Table of contents
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The Prodigal Son
A parable of the “prodigal son”, and how his greed took over
Meaning
What does this story mean?
Lesson
How can we apply this story to our lives?
Prayer
A prayer on leaving sin, and finding our way back to God
The Prodigal Son
01
A parable on the “prodigal son”, and how his greed took over.
Introduction
Once upon a time, a man had two sons. He especially loved and trusted his youngest child.
Not long after, the son left to a distant country, and spent all his money unwisely.
The son asked his father to receive his share of inheritance. The father agreed, out of love.
Famine
After he had lost all his money, a famine hit the country. He became poor, and fed pigs for a living. Whenever he got hungry, he would eat the pig’s food!
Finding His Way Back
Suddenly, he came to his senses. Back home, he had all he ever wanted and needed. And it was his father who provided it all for him. He felt sinful, but started his journey home.
The second he stepped home, he fell at his fathers feet. He begged for his fathers forgiveness, saying that he would be grateful to even become a servant.
Famine
His father, however, embraced his son. Immediately, he told the servants to prepare a feast for his son, and give him clothing.
The Older Son
His father said, “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 dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
The father’s other son was furious. He had obeyed his father his whole life, while his brother had lived a life of sin. Yet he had never been given a feast!
Meaning
02
What does this story mean?
Symbolism
In this story, the father symbolizes God, while the prodigal son symbolizes us.
The Father
The father in this story symbolizes God. God gives us love and miracles, just as the father gave his son money. Even when we take what he gives us for granted, and sin, he will always be waiting for us with open arms.
The Son
The son in this story symbolizes us. God gifts us with gifts and miracles. But we often leave him for temptations, just as the son left his father for “fun”. When we realize our mistake, and return to God, he will always be waiting for us.
The Ending
In this story, the ending may be confusing. Why did the father spoil his “sinful” son more than his obedient son? Well, like the father said, God loves when sinners come back to him. It is as if someone has risen from the dead. He has never hated sinners, rather he hates the sin itself.
Lesson
03
How can we apply this story to our lives?
So how do we allow ourselves to stop living a sinful life, and begin walking towards God?
V
Leaving Sin
Music
We may not know what we are listening to. Some songs mock God, and subconsciously these songs affect us. Listen to gospel music instead!
Foul Words
Foul words are a bad habit. These words use the Lord's name in vain, and tend to attract sin.
People
The people we surround ourselves with matter! They can encourage us to sin or mock God. Choose friends wisely!
Mourn over Sins
Care about the sins you commit! Jesus DIED for our sins. Reflecting on your sins can help you to grow and sin less.
Prayer
04
A prayer on leaving sin, and finding our way back to God
Lord, I need your strength to defeat this sin. I am thankful that your power is made perfect in my weakness. I don’t boast in my sin, but boast in you who works in my weakness to make me more like you. I know that I have the opportunity to glorify you by fighting against this sin in my life. Give me wisdom and perspective in the moment I am tempted to sin – help me in that moment see my sin as you see it, and not do the sin my heart longs to do. In Jesus name I pray,
Amen.