The answer is: Ring

Luke 15:22

The moment the Prodigal Son returned home, his father’s reaction wasn't just one of relief—it was a profound act of restoration. By giving him a ring, the father symbolized the full reinstatement of his son’s place within the family, much like putting on royal regalia, inviting comparison to a king. While it's an emotional moment bursting with love, the ring also hints at the deeper themes of worthiness and belonging.

Interesting note: In ancient times, rings could signify authority or an official status. The finger-bowl depicted on Severan era coins elsewhere in the Roman world shows precisely how rings titled holders. So when the father offered this gift, he wasn’t simply covering an abstract sense of shame; he was declaring his son as part of the family and someone who still shares in the inheritance.

This parable, part of Jesus’ teachings, was likely in stark contrast to societal norms, where a wayward son would expect a chilly reception upon returning. Instead, this message affirms that even those who strayed far, when seeking forgiveness, can still find a path back to grace.

Also, did you know that many of Jesus’ parables, like the Good Samaritan or the Lost Sheep, carry this same comforting word of exuberance? They each echo the radical acceptance that the kingdom brings—a joy. A reminder that mercy overcomes not just barriers but loneliness, too!