The answer is: His inheritance

Luke 15:11-13

In the delightful tale of the Prodigal Son, Jesus weaves a story steeped in deep cultural significance. When the younger son asks for his inheritance while his father is still alive, it’s an extraordinary and audacious request. In ancient Jewish tradition, asking for an early inheritance was like telling your father, “I wish you were dead.” This act takes the reader to a place that clashes with familial norms and respect.

Interestingly, the cultural backdrop of this parable would have meant immediate shame not only for the younger son but also for his father. In a society where honor was paramount, the father's acceptance and subsequent actions—as both loving and forgiving—undoubtedly defy expectations. This narrative offers a profound insight into human relationships, highlighting themes of forgiveness, loss, and the longing for acceptance.

In fact, this upbringing and plight echo broader themes in biblical literature—think of stories like that of Nehemiah, who returns to his destroyed hometown, or Jonah’s reluctant journey to untold fate. They remind us all that returning back from the wrong path often leads to growth and restoration.

Throughout the Bible, we carefully observe how troubled relationships can transform into healing journeys, inviting readers to consider their own choices within parent-child dynamics. The Prodigal Son might be a single parable, but like several echoes in sacred texts, it unearths timeless truths about redemption, identity, and the nature of love.