Definition: And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 15:21. It’s a really important and poignant moment in Jesus' story about the parable of the Prodigal Son. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The parable tells the story of a young man who squanders his family’s wealth and eventually leads a life of sin and misery. Jesus comes along and shows this man how he should have behaved – to love and respect his father. What Luke 15:21 Says: “And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the son…” : This refers to Jesus’s own father. He's talking about a person who is incredibly important – a God-like figure. “…said unto him…” : The son is admitting something serious. “…I have sinned…” : This is the key part. The son has done something wrong, something that displeases God. It’s a significant mistake. “…against heaven…” : This means the sin isn't just against himself , it's against God himself – a violation of His perfect standards. Heaven is the place where God lives and rules, so this is a serious offense. “and in thy sight…” : The son is admitting his transgression in front of God. It’s a humbling admission. “…and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” : This is the most heartbreaking part. The son recognizes that he's not good enough, deserving of this father's love and respect. He understands he’s fallen short of his father’s expectations. What it means on a deeper level: This verse shows us a crucial truth: Everyone makes mistakes. It’s normal to stumble or sin. The important thing isn’t how we fall, but that we acknowledge our wrongdoing and recognize the need for forgiveness and repentance. It highlights God's mercy and love – He doesn't condemn us completely; He loves us so much that He offers a way back to Himself. In essence, Luke 15:21 is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to turn away from sin and seek God’s forgiveness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the parable? Discuss the meaning of repentance in this context? Provide some examples of things people might struggle with that reflect this verse?