Charles Dickens called the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-24, "the greatest short story ever told because there are so many profound themes that reverberate within these verses." A prodigal is someone who lives to please the flesh and not the father. Jesus shared this parable to help us to see the character of our heavenly Father even when we rebel. It also helps us to understand why our sons and daughters might become prodigals and to see how and why a prodigal will eventually come home. Pastor Dudley Rutherford teaches three parts about the younger son in this story: Part 1, the rebellion and recklessness. (The younger son wanted what the father had to give materially, but he didn't want the father.) Part 2, reflection and repentance. (The son comes to his senses and returns to the father.) Part 3, reconciliation and rejoicing. (The moment the prodigal decides to repent and return home, the father is there waiting with open arms.)