THE PRODIGAL SON (Luke 15:11–32) tells of a younger son who wastes his inheritance in a distant land, hits rock bottom and returns home to repent. His father forgives him and celebrates. The story illustrates God’s unconditional love, radical forgiveness and joy when a lost sinner turns back. "Prodigal" means wastefully extravagant. While the son is prodigal with his money, the father is "prodigal" with his grace and love...giving forgiveness far beyond what is earned. The older brother stays home but harbors anger, jealousy and self-righteousness. He represents the Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus's time who grumbled that Jesus welcomed outcasts and sinners.