Definition: And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Luke 15:13. It’s a really important verse about love and forgiveness. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that the younger son wasn’t being kind or respectful to his father. He was spending all his money on foolish things – partying, drinking, and generally acting badly – and he wasted his time and resources without any consideration for his father's feelings. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And not many days after the younger son gathered together…” This means that shortly after a specific event (likely a disagreement or a moment of trouble), the younger son was starting to spend his time in a way that wasn't good or helpful. “…and took his journey into a far country…” He left home and went somewhere else – perhaps to avoid responsibility or to indulge in reckless behavior. “…and there wasted his substance with riotous living.” This is the key part. “Substance” means wealth, possessions, or resources. "Riotous living" means behaving badly, being irresponsible, and spending money recklessly. He was essentially squandering everything he had without thinking about the consequences. So, what’s the message? Luke 15:13 is telling us that God loves us more than we love ourselves. It's saying that when we make bad choices or waste our time on foolish things, God will eventually forgive us and restore us to a place of goodness and happiness. It highlights the importance of being respectful, responsible, and putting your best interests first – especially towards those you care about (our parents, in this case). In essence, it’s a warning against selfish behavior and an encouragement to live a life that honors God. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse from Luke 15? Discuss the meaning of specific words or phrases within the verse?