1. He CAME to his father. "And the younger...said to his father, '...give me the portion of goods that falls to me" (v.12). Desiring to get out on his own, he cashed in on his inheritance and hit the road.
2. He CAME to a far country. "And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country..." (v.13). Away from his godly upbringing the boy sowed his wild oats. He foolishly wasted what he had on prodigal living.
3. He CAME to want. "But when he had spent all, ...he began to be in want" (v.14). Due to his irresponsibility, the prodigal was without the very things he needed. Truly his sinful pleasures were short lived.
4. He CAME to himself. Now in the pig pen, the boy thought soberly about the path he had chosen. "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!" (v.17). Clearly a change of heart.
5. He CAME back to his father. The young man had learned that the grass is not always greener on the other side. "And he arose and came to his father" (v.20). Thankfully the father "left the light on" and lovingly received his penitent son.
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