5. Milestone Moments

In the story of the Prodigal Son, the young boy runs out of resources after squandering his inheritance on wild living. When there is a famine in the land, he hires himself out to a pig farmer, which, for Jesus’ Jewish audience, was the most disgraceful job imaginable. 

Fortunately for the rebellious young boy, his dire situation prompted him to “come to his senses.” At that moment, the younger, rebellious son recognized the weight of his sin and desired to seek forgiveness. Sin means falling short of God’s standards, and the younger son knew his destructive life was not honoring his father. If left unaddressed, the consequences of living in rebellion to God in this life would mean eternal separation from God and his love in the next. Judgment awaits all those who choose to live a life isolated from their Heavenly Father.

After recognizing his spiritual bankruptcy, the young son confesses his desire to be back under the care of his father, even if it means he will have to be a slave (Luke 15:18-19). Although the boy confessed his sin, what he did next made all the difference... He repented. Repentance means a change of mind that leads to a change of lifestyle. Putting action to his conviction, the younger brother began to walk the road back to his father’s house to seek reconciliation, distancing himself from the sin he once embraced and the city he once idolized.

The work of the Holy Spirit in the younger son’s life softened the boy’s heart to receive the
word of truth — that God welcomes home all who come to Him through Christ. As a result, the younger son had faith that it was better to return home than to continue to live hungry and malnourished, independent from his loving father. Jesus Christ is the only road home to be reconciled to the father, and this road is only traveled by faith (John 14:6). 

It takes humility to recognize your need for a savior. After his rock-bottom experience, the younger son was willing to humble himself, follow his conviction, and walk the road less traveled. Jesus said, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way” (Matthew 7:13-14). While the god of this world says, “You do not need God” or, “You are good enough,” Jesus said, “I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved” (John 10:9).

No matter who you are or what you have done, God’s sacrifice has prepared a way for you to be welcomed home! Although Jesus Christ died for the whole world’s sins, only a few will accept his invitation and travel the road of repentance back to the Father’s house. The Father is waiting to celebrate with all those who choose to receive His gracious offer!

CHAPTER INDEX: Introduction | The Prodigal Story | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Who are you in God’s Story?