When I first heard the lesson of the Prodigal Son (which was decades ago!), the teaching always seemed to be about the son who rebelliously walked away from his father and the responsibilities of home to live a life of recklessness and wasteful extravagance (Luke 15:11-32). But those characteristics can be in the heart of anyone because it has to do with the condition of the heart, not whether a person is young or old. Maybe the younger son was a bit spoiled or felt confined because there was an older brother who took responsibility; we don’t know. But what we do know is that both sons had a heart problem. The younger son’s response was to run away, and the older son hid himself in the work.

Actually, there are three “heart”  lessons in this parable to learn: 1) the heart of the run-away-prodigal, the younger son, 2) the heart of the stay-at-home-prodigal, the older son, and 3) the heart of the loving father.

When the younger son realized his sin (verse 17), he repented – where he was – and then decided to return home. He apparently remembered that his father was a just man and would take him back at least as a servant. Notice that he wasn’t looking to be brought back as a son. However, the father loved his son, even when he knew the son was living recklessly; and, looked for his return each day (verse 20). That is how our Heavenly Father is with us. He is always looking for us to come to Him – or back to Him! This parable is really all about the love of the Father who offers forgiveness for the repentant heart, and the willingness to restore a person into His arms of love.

The flip side to the younger son who began rebelliously and then repented and returned home is the older son, even though he stayed at home, dealt with a rebellious, prideful, jealous heart, against his brother and even his father.

We must understand that there is a sinful tendency in all of us to rebel, be jealous, prideful, angry, unkind, etc. We must learn to guard our heart against such attacks. Philippians 4:8 shows us how to maintain our thought life, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”. Joshua 22:5 also tells us to take heed to do the commandments, and to serve him with all our heart and with all our soul. When we keep the Word of God before us, we are less likely to rebel against our Lord.

If you see yourself in this parable – either as the rebellious run-away prodigal, or the stay-at-home prodigal, then repent and confess your sins before God; receive His forgiveness, and allow Him to cleanse you from all unrighteousness, for He is faithful and just (1 John 1:9). If you are a parent, keep praying for your children; keep looking for the good work that God is doing in their hearts because of your prayers. Remember, God is always looking for ways to bless you; be obedient to His Word and enjoy His promises of blessings.