The answer is: His inheritance

Luke 15:11-13

In the Gospel of Luke, the parable of the Prodigal Son highlights profound themes of family relationships, free will, and repentance. When the younger son surprisingly asks for his inheritance early, it's like he's wishing for control over his life, a common human desire for independence. In ancient Jewish culture, requesting inheritance before a parent’s death was not just unusual; it could be seen as disrespectful. This sets the stage for the son's considerably misguided journey.

What's fascinating here is how this parable taps into foundations of forgiveness and redemption. Once the son squanders his fortune, he finds himself in dire straits, alone and without support. In that low moment of feeding pigs—a particularly humiliating job for a Jewish man—he reflects on his choices and makes a conscious decision to return home. This theme of return mirrors the paths many of us navigate in our personal journeys when we veer from good choices.

The father's response is key: instead of rebuking him for past wrongs, he welcomes his son back with open arms. This resonates deeply in cultural narratives about racial reconciliation, forgiveness, and loving relationships, much beyond the strict interpretations of sin. The father's readiness to celebrate signifies that redemption is accessible, regardless of one's past—a refreshing reminder for us all that every day is an opportunity to start anew.