The parable of the Prodigal Son stands out as one of Jesus' most cherished teachings. Addressed to tax collectors and sinners with Pharisees and scribes listening, this story conveys deep insights about the essence of God, humanity, and the genuine path to salvation (Luke 15:1–2). Below is the complete parable.

> "A man had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So, he divided his property between them. After a few days, the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in reckless living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that land, and he began to be in need. He hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.”’ So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven a