Did the Prodigal Son Repent?

by Ed Elliott

Luke 15:11–32

Many people have been taught that the Prodigal Son’s confession of sins to his father was an act of repentance, but it wasn’t.

The Greek word for repent is metanoia, which simply means “a change of mind.” The Prodigal’s confession wasn’t intended to seek forgiveness or reconciliation with his father. Rather, His confession and the reason for it were based on not knowing the heart of his father.

The Prodigal returned home because he was hungry and desperate; he was looking for a job. In the story, his father ran to him embraced and kissed him before he (the Prodigal) even confessed his sins. The Prodigal responded to this act of acceptance and love from his father by protesting that he was no longer worthy to be his son because his sins were so great. Sadly, the Prodigal lived under the delusion that his father would not forgive him for his many sins. However, his father did the opposite. He forgave and welcomed him in the most extravagant way possible. He clothed him in the best robe, gave him a ring and new shoes and threw a big celebration. Such actions speak to the father’s love and desire to restore him as a son with full honor and all the privileges that come with being a son.

The real repentance for the Prodigal took place when the father refused to accept…