The Prodigal Son: A Story of Second Chances and Grace

Devotional

Day 1: The Father's Door Is Always Open

No matter how far we wander or what mistakes we make, our Heavenly Father’s love remains steadfast and His door is always open to us. The story of the prodigal son reminds us that God’s grace is not limited by our failures; He waits patiently, longing for our return, and welcomes us back with open arms and a heart full of compassion. Even when we feel unworthy or distant, God’s invitation to come home never expires—He leaves the light on, signaling that we are always welcome in His presence. [37:47]

Luke 15:11-24 (ESV)
And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you feel far from God? What would it look like to take one step back toward Him today, trusting that His door is open for you?

Day 2: The Father Loves Us Even When We Rebel

God’s love is not conditional on our obedience or our worthiness; He loves us even when we rebel, squander His blessings, or choose our own way. The prodigal son’s journey into the far country illustrates how we can misuse God’s gifts and end up spiritually bankrupt, yet the Father’s heart remains unchanged—He loves us more than His “stuff” and is always ready to forgive and restore us when we return. No matter how far we have strayed, there is no limit to God’s patience and love for His children. [46:56]

Romans 5:8 (ESV)
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Reflection: Think of a time when you turned away from God or made choices you regret. How does knowing that God still loves you, even in your rebellion, change the way you see yourself and your relationship with Him?

Day 3: The Moment of Clarity—Repentance and Return

There comes a point when we realize the emptiness of life apart from God—a moment of clarity when we see our need for Him and decide to turn back. True repentance begins with admitting our sin and brokenness, recognizing that only God can fill the void in our hearts. When we come to our senses and return, God not only forgives but restores us, clothing us in His grace and calling us His beloved children. [49:12]

Psalm 51:17 (ESV)
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Reflection: Is there something you need to confess to God today? What would it look like to come to Him with a broken and contrite heart, trusting in His mercy?

Day 4: Beware of Self-Righteousness—The Older Brother Syndrome

It is possible to be close to God in appearance but far from Him in heart, as seen in the older brother who resented the Father’s grace toward the prodigal. Self-righteousness blinds us to our own need for grace and can keep us from celebrating the restoration of others. God invites us not only to receive His forgiveness but also to extend it, letting go of pride and embracing humility so that we can truly rejoice when the lost are found. [01:03:34]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Reflection: Is there someone you struggle to welcome or forgive because you feel they don’t deserve it? How can you take a step toward humility and grace, celebrating God’s work in their life?

Day 5: The Light of Forgiveness—Jesus Makes the Way Home

The ultimate reason the Father’s door is always open is because of Jesus, the Son who told the story and made forgiveness possible through His death and resurrection. No matter how lost we are—whether as prodigals or as self-righteous “older brothers”—Jesus has made a way for us to be found, restored, and welcomed home. The invitation is for everyone: turn from your sin, trust in the Savior, and experience the joy of being found by God. [01:08:33]

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear that God’s light is still on for them? Will you reach out to them this week, inviting them to experience the forgiveness and welcome of Jesus?

Sermon Summary

Franklin Graham’s story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Even those who seem the farthest gone—rebellious, broken, or lost—are never outside the loving pursuit of the Father. The parable in Luke 15, often called the story of the prodigal son, is not just about a wayward child, but about a Father whose love is relentless, patient, and welcoming. The Father’s door is always open, and His porch light is always on, waiting for His children to come home.

This parable is Jesus’ answer to the religious elite who grumbled about His association with “sinners.” He tells them, and us, that lost people matter deeply to God. The story unfolds with a son who demands his inheritance, essentially wishing his father dead, and then squanders it all in reckless living. When he hits rock bottom, feeding pigs and longing for their food, he comes to his senses. He remembers the goodness of his father and decides to return, not expecting restoration, but hoping for mere survival as a servant.

But the Father, who has been watching and waiting, runs to meet him, embracing him before a word of apology is spoken. He clothes him in the best robe, puts a ring on his finger, and sandals on his feet—restoring him fully as a son, not a servant. This is a picture of God’s grace: He doesn’t just forgive; He restores and celebrates our return.

Yet, the story doesn’t end there. The older brother, who never left home, is angry and refuses to join the celebration. He represents those who are close to God in proximity but far in heart—those who trust in their own goodness and resent grace given to others. The Father goes out to him as well, inviting him in, showing that God’s love extends to the self-righteous as much as to the rebellious.

Ultimately, the story points to a third Son—Jesus Himself—who makes the way home possible for all of us. Whether we are prodigals in the far country or elder brothers in the pew, we all need the grace of God. The invitation is open: no matter how far you’ve gone, you can always come home. The Father is waiting, the light is on, and the celebration is ready.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Love Is Relentless, Even in Our Rebellion The Father’s willingness to let the younger son go, despite the pain and dishonor, reveals a love that respects our freedom but never stops longing for our return. God allows us to wander, but His heart aches for us, and He is always ready to welcome us back, no matter how far we’ve strayed. This is not a license to sin, but a testimony to the depth of divine love that values relationship over rules or possessions. [44:11]
2. Rock Bottom Can Be the Turning Point Toward Grace The prodigal’s lowest moment—hungry, alone, and feeding pigs—became the place where he “came to himself.” Sometimes, God allows us to reach the end of ourselves so we can see our need for Him clearly. It is in the pig pens of life that we often realize the emptiness of what the world offers and the abundance waiting in the Father’s house. [48:51]
3. Repentance Begins With Honest Self-Examination The journey home starts with a moment of clarity: “I have sinned against heaven and before you.” True repentance is not just feeling sorry for the consequences of our actions, but recognizing our sin as a rupture in our relationship with God. It is only when we admit our need and turn back that we experience the embrace of grace and restoration. [56:23]
4. Self-Righteousness Can Be as Damaging as Rebellion The older brother’s resentment exposes a heart that is just as distant from the Father as the prodigal’s. Trusting in our own goodness, keeping score, and resenting grace given to others can blind us to our own need for mercy. The Father’s invitation extends to the self-righteous as well, calling us to humility, compassion, and a willingness to celebrate the return of the lost. [63:34]
5. The Light Is Always On—There Is Always a Way Home No matter how far we have gone, how long we have been away, or how deep our shame, the Father’s invitation stands. The story is ultimately about Jesus, the true Son, who made the way for us to be restored. Whether you are a prodigal, an elder brother, or somewhere in between, God’s grace is sufficient, and the celebration of your return awaits.

** [69:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[32:11] - Franklin Graham: A Story of Redemption
[33:15] - “Leaving the Lights On”: The Heart of Hospitality
[34:06] - The Parable’s Universal Appeal
[35:24] - The Context: Jesus and the Religious Elite
[36:42] - Lost People Matter to God
[37:47] - The Father’s Door Is Always Open
[38:07] - Reading Luke 15: The Prodigal Son
[41:55] - The Father’s Love in Our Rebellion
[44:11] - God Lets Us Go, But Waits for Our Return
[46:29] - The World’s Emptiness vs. The Father’s Abundance
[47:16] - The Turning Point: Coming to Our Senses
[51:27] - The Homing Instinct: Returning Home
[53:12] - The Gospel in the Father’s Embrace
[56:23] - Repentance and Restoration
[59:32] - Full Restoration: Robe, Ring, and Sandals
[60:46] - The Older Brother: Self-Righteousness Exposed
[63:34] - Both Sons Are Lost
[65:37] - The Church’s Call: Welcoming All
[67:54] - The Third Son: Jesus, Our Way Home
[69:43] - The Invitation: The Light Is Always On
[70:12] - Prayer and Response

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 15:11-32 (ESV) —
> And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
>
> “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
>
> “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

Observation Questions

What did the younger son ask his father for, and what did this request mean in their culture? ([42:24])
How did the father respond when he saw his son returning from a distance? ([39:17])
What was the older brother’s reaction to his brother’s return and the celebration? ([40:02])
According to the sermon, who is the main character in this parable, and why? ([42:09])

Interpretation Questions

The younger son “came to himself” while feeding pigs. What does this moment of clarity represent in a person’s spiritual journey? ([48:51])
The father’s act of running to his son was considered undignified in that culture. What does this tell us about the nature of God’s love? ([55:37])
The older brother stayed home but was angry and refused to join the celebration. What does his attitude reveal about self-righteousness and our own hearts? ([01:03:34])
The sermon mentions a “third son” in the story—Jesus. How does Jesus make the way home possible for both the rebellious and the self-righteous? ([01:07:54])

Application Questions

The father allowed the younger son to leave, even though it was painful. Are there areas in your life where you are “wandering” from God? What would it look like to return? ([44:11])
The prodigal son’s lowest point became the turning point for his return. Can you recall a “rock bottom” moment in your life that led you back to God or made you realize your need for Him? How did you respond? ([48:51])
Repentance began with the son’s honest admission of sin. Is there an area in your life where you need to “come to your senses” and be honest with God? What’s holding you back from that conversation? ([56:23])
The older brother’s self-righteousness kept him from celebrating his brother’s return. Have you ever struggled with resentment when someone else received grace or forgiveness? How did you deal with those feelings? ([01:03:34])
The father’s invitation was open to both sons. Is there someone in your life who needs to know that God’s “light is on” for them? How can you practically show them the welcome and grace of God this week? ([01:09:43])
The sermon challenged us to be a church that welcomes all, not just those who “have it together.” What is one specific way you can help make our church or small group more welcoming to people who feel far from God? ([01:05:37])
The story ends with an open invitation. Whether you see yourself as the prodigal, the older brother, or somewhere in between, what step do you need to take today to move closer to the Father’s heart? ([01:09:43])

Sermon Clips

God will let us go as far away from him as we want to get. But he's always waiting for us when we come back. Now, that's not a license to sin. It's not. But it shows us the quality and character of the heavenly father that we have. And that we ought to love him enough not to wander off. Not to squander what he has given us. But Lord, we are prone to wander. We are prone to wander, but our heavenly father is not. [00:44:01] (30 seconds) #HeavenlyFatherWaits

The world will take everything that you have and offer you nothing in return. There is not a thing that this world has to offer us, friends. I know. We find all of ourselves in this story, and I have found myself in this story as well. But listen, here's one thing we need to remember. No matter who you are, no matter where you've been, no matter what you've done, there is a Father in heaven who loves you. There is no limit to how far he will let you go, and there is no limit to how long he will wait for you to come back. [00:46:29] (38 seconds) #UnconditionalFatherLove

The more we get from God, the more farther away we get from God, the more our blessings start to dissipate until we find ourselves spiritually, financially, and relationally bankrupt when we don't need to be. Because we have a heavenly Father who can supply all of our needs exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever imagine. We choose our poverty. We choose to walk away from the Father. [00:47:50] (38 seconds) #ChoosingPoverty

Sin lures us. It lures us to take one bite at a time. One drink at a time. One toke at a time. One plunger of the needle at a time. One look at a time. Because see what happens? We start to get numb to the spiritual sensitivity that we have in Jesus. Let me tell you something. All sin comes through our eyes first. In our minds. We start to say, Okay, wait a minute. Maybe it's not so bad. Maybe just one time won't be so bad. And then that gets into your heart. And when your heart says, Go for it. That's where sin is born. Sin is born in our hearts, but it comes through our minds. [00:49:57] (54 seconds) #SinStartsWithTheEyes

Stop and think about what Jesus is telling in this story. It is his death, his burial, and his resurrection that is going to afford the mechanics that make this story possible. Think about that. He is telling them the ramifications of his death, burial, and resurrection. That God is taking the initiative. God's on the lookout. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. He didn't wait for us. He was watching. He was waiting. He was willing. He was wanting us to come home. [00:53:18] (39 seconds) #ChristInitiatesGrace

If you're off in the far country today, it doesn't matter how far you've gone. It doesn't matter how long you've been there. Jesus is waiting for you. And this is the story of the gospel. That Jesus died for us. He rose from the dead. He offers us forgiveness. He offers us restoration. The son had turned his back on the father, but the father never turned his back on the son. [00:54:41] (21 seconds) #JesusWaitsForYou

The father's joy was overflowing at the boy's return. And listen, that's what Jesus said at the end of last week's scripture about the coin and the sheep. The angels in heaven rejoice when one sinner repents of their sin. [00:57:50] (15 seconds) #HeavenRejoicesInRepentance

The boy said, Father, I'll settle, just be a minimum wage worker. I just want to get off the streets. I just want to get some food in my belly. I'll work for you. I'll be one of your slaves. Father says, no, get the best robe. Who'd the best robe belong to? Belonged to him. The father had the best robe. He said, no, get the best robe. He said, Father, I've sinned. The robe said, your sins are forgiven. [00:58:49] (25 seconds) #BestRobeOfForgiveness

There are still younger brothers out in pig pens today. They don't want to come. They don't want to come to the party. They don't want to come home. They don't want to come to church because they see oftentimes a church full of older brothers, people that have OBS, older brother syndrome. They don't want them to come. They don't want them to sit in their pew. They don't want them to park in their parking spot. [01:04:20] (21 seconds) #YoungerBrothersOutside

No matter how far away you've gone, you can always come back. No matter how far out you've gone, you can always come back in. And no matter how far down you've gone, you can always come up. And when you do, God will be waiting for you with open arms because we have a heavenly father who leaves the lights on. [01:09:52] (19 seconds) #AlwaysComeBack

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