What Is The Parable Of The Prodigal Son?

In this story, told as part of Jesus' teaching according to the New Testament, a young man asked his father to give him his share of the inheritance while still alive, so he could go and enjoy himself. The father agreed, even though his other son (who worked for him on the family farm) though it unfair.

The younger son went off, had a good time and soon squandered all the money. He was reduced to poverty, and eventually came back to his father's house, ashamed of himself. He felt unworthy to be his father's son any more, and only asked him to give him work as a servant. But his father was so pleased to see him that he embraced him, and gave orders for a fat calf to be killed for a celebration feast.

The elder son protested that he had worked hard all this time, and never been given so much as a goat. His father explained, "my son, all I have is yours. But your brother was dead, and is alive again." The story is supposed to show that God rejoices over a repentant sinner.