From the Principal - Secondary, South Plympton

A Prodigal Perspective

At a recent retreat I had the privilege of attending, a reflection on the parable of the Prodigal Son gave me pause to rethink how I understood this story.

It tells of a son (probably a teenager) in the metaphorical wilderness who eventually has the good sense to return home. We have more than likely been there ourselves, and it is agony to watch your child make poor choices like this. But the wilderness is often where God pulls you through to develop your character. The wilderness ends with the return to the Father and the character of God is demonstrated as extravagant beyond measure. God has a party to celebrate as there is ‘rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents’ (Luke 15:10). Beyond its narrative of repentance and restoration, this parable paints a vivid portrait of God’s generous character, offering profound insights into His love, mercy, and faithfulness.

When in the wilderness we often ask God ‘What do I need to do to get out of this God?’ Instead we may need to ask ‘Who do you want me to be God?’ This is a hard place to be and is often uncomfortable, but life-changing when we have the right vision of our God. 

Not all wildernesses are a wasteful lifestyle. How often do we perceive achievement via activity as the thing that defines us? It is a wilderness that gives us a sense of identity, and conversely a lack of achievement makes us feel like a failure. A great result, grade or accomplishment is satisfying, but not the point of God’s plan for us. Often we are driven to achieve more; the false narrative is that acceptance from God, our father, is surely when we achieve in his name. Yet we are left exhausted and insecure in our effort to avoid failure or punishment. 

However, God’s character revealed in this parable starts with understanding acceptance for who we are, and that we are loved as we are. Why do we think we can hide our character flaws from God? He is omniscient, so there is no use pretending or hiding who we really are. His unconditional love is despite our mistakes, but also despite our achievements in our own strength. 

Achievement is still there, but it depends on our motivation and dependence on God. It is found in loving, obedient ministry with God and our sense of identity is based on remaining connected to our Saviour. Working out of acceptance rather than for acceptance. 

The parable of the Prodigal Son invites us to marvel at the depths of God’s love and grace. His mercy is unearned, His forgiveness is complete, and His joy in welcoming us back home is beyond measure. In turn, we are called to be people who extend that same grace and forgiveness to others—a reflection of the Father’s heart in our own lives.

Ultimately, the parable of the Prodigal Son is not just about the wayward son—it’s about the extravagant heart of the father. 

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. (NIV) Psalm 103:8

Andrea Grear,

Principal - Secondary, South Plympton