The Prodigal Road: Why Rebellion Leads Us Back to the Father
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By Emily Jessen
There is a moment in every person’s life when they must confront the pull between independence and intimacy with God. Like the prodigal son in Luke 15, many of us have found ourselves convinced that our way—the world’s way—will be better than the narrow path our Father has laid before us.
The son in the parable boldly asked for his inheritance early, essentially saying, “I want your blessings, but not your authority.”
And so he ran.
He ran off.
He ran through.
He ran out.
He ran dry.
“Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.” (Luke 15:13, ESV)
Eventually, as it always does, the world's promise of freedom led him to chains. He found himself empty, broken, and desperate.
“…he hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.” (Luke 15:15-16)
How many of us have spiritually sat in the mud, feeding pigs of sin, pride, or worldly distractions, starving for something real?
Rebellion Is the Search for Autonomy
Our rebellion is never random. It is the soul’s attempt to secure on its own what can only be received through the Father. Autonomy promises empowerment but delivers isolation.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
In the parable of the prodigal son, we also see a deeper revelation—the duality of his choice with money.
The very word prodigal means spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.
But in this parable, money is not just about currency. It is symbolic.
We can be drawn away from our Father’s presence by many lusts:
Power. Sensuality. Status. Control. Addictions.
Money simply serves as the example Jesus used to show what it means to squander not just wealth, but inheritance—the birthright of identity, relationship, and purpose.
Through Christ, we inherit what money could never purchase. As co-heirs with Christ, we receive the imperishable.
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ…” (Romans 8:17)
When we run from God, we squander much more than finances. We waste the peace, authority, and eternal security freely given to us through grace.
And yet, even in our rebellion, the Father desires us. He longs for us. He watches and waits.
Why?
Because He knows.
He knows what happens when a son or daughter goes prodigal. Eventually, the world leaves them so desperate and depleted that they don’t even dare to ask for what was theirs to begin with.
But the mercy of our Father is not determined by our wrongs. It is measured by His love.
And His love knows no bounds.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
My Own Prodigal Road
In my time of rebellion, I wasn’t running aimlessly. I was searching—desperately. I followed all forms of new age and occultism, believing that if I searched hard enough, if I opened enough doors, I would eventually find my Creator. I looked high and low. I sought enlightenment, power, healing, and wisdom, but it all led me further into deception and spiritual bondage.
There was a short season in my twenties when, after a powerful moment where God audibly spoke to me and called me to my senses, I began reading the Bible. Even then, my striving continued. I was on a relentless mission to achieve cleanness and holiness, thinking I had to work my way back to God.
But over time, I came to realize the most humbling, liberating truth:
There was nothing I could do to be righteous except receive God’s grace in His Son, Jesus Christ.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
My striving ceased the moment I surrendered.
The World’s Brokenness Is a Catalyst, Not a Conclusion
The same brokenness that drives us away from the Father eventually drives us back. Like Adam and Eve, we all have to taste the bitter fruit of life outside His presence.
“Your own wickedness will correct you, and your backslidings will rebuke you. Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing that you have forsaken the Lord your God…” (Jeremiah 2:19)
God allows this not because He is cruel, but because He honors free will. He knows that a forced relationship is no relationship at all. In His wisdom, He allows us to reach the end of ourselves.
The Return: Asking for the Bare Minimum
When the prodigal son finally came to himself, he rehearsed a speech. He didn’t dare ask to be reinstated as a son. He simply wanted to survive.
“Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” (Luke 15:18-19)
But the Father wasn’t interested in minimal grace. He was watching, waiting, and ready.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)
Not only did He welcome him back—He reestablished him as a son.
“Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.” (Luke 15:22)
This is the scandalous, extravagant grace of God. No matter how far we wander, when we return, He doesn’t offer survival. He offers restoration.
Don’t Confuse Man’s Failure with God’s Character
One of the greatest lies the enemy whispers during rebellion is this: Because people have failed you, God will too.
But scripture is clear:
“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind.” (Numbers 23:19)
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
No matter how deep the disillusionment, how severe the betrayal, or how painful the exile—God remains faithful. “If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13)
Lean Not on Your Own Understanding
Our understanding is fragile. Our emotions are deceptive. Our logic is limited.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
When we stop trying to reason our way back to God and simply return, we find the path has already been paved.
Coming Home
The journey from rebellion to restoration is not one of earning, but of surrendering. The Father’s arms are always open. His mercy is not earned by cleaning ourselves up before we come home. The robe, the ring, and the feast await those who will simply say:
“Father, I have sinned. Take me back.”
And He always does.
Key Scriptures for Reflection
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Luke 15:11-24 (The Prodigal Son)
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Proverbs 14:12
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Psalm 118:8
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Jeremiah 2:19
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Numbers 23:19
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Hebrews 13:8
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2 Timothy 2:13
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Proverbs 3:5-6