The Wayward Son

The Wayward Son

Q: What job did the Prodigal Son get when his money ran out?

• a. plowing fields
• b. feeding pigs
• c. herding sheep

Jesus told a story about two sons. The younger son was tired of living at home. He longed to be on his own and do what he wanted. So he asked his father for the money he was meant to inherit later. The father gave it to him, and the son was on his way.

The son had a great time doing everything he wanted, but then he ran out of money. He had nowhere to live and nothing to eat. He finally got a job feeding pigs. Since the Jews consider pigs religiously unclean animals, they were not to eat or even touch pigs. But the son had sunk so low that he now took care of pigs.

Finally the son decided to return home and ask his father to hire him on as a servant. When the father saw the son coming, he ran out to welcome him home. He dressed him in fine clothes and prepared a feast.

When the older brother saw all this, he was angry. He’d been responsible and worked hard while his brother was gone. But now his brother was getting all the attention, and the father was even holding a feast for him!

Jesus told this story of the Prodigal Son to show that the Pharisees were like the older brother. They lived very righteous lives, and they were unhappy that people who were considered sinners were being welcomed into God’s Kingdom. The Pharisees felt they deserved a place in God’s Kingdom while those who lived sinful lives didn’t.

For You

The younger brother made many mistakes and turned away from his earthly father. The older brother was bitter when the father welcomed his younger brother home. Are you like either of the brothers? If you are, ask God to help you fix what needs fixing in your life. Live for Jesus each day, and be thankful when others decide to turn to him too.

Answer: b

[The younger son] persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.   Luke 15:15-16

(The Whole Story: Luke 15:11-32)