Four Stages of Transformation
The Prodigal Son in the Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral
by Katie Harding on October 24, 2023
Most of us know the story of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) by heart, but sometimes we forget it wasn’t a true story. It was a parable Jesus told of a father and his two sons to help those listening think more critically about their understanding of the Father’s love and how to follow His ways. Therefore, as we read it, we must recognize that Jesus included each character and detail with a specific purpose in mind.
For instance, after the youngest son wasted all his money, a severe famine occurred in the country where he was residing, so he desperately needed a place to stay. He had grown up living a life of privilege, but now he was a hired hand, feeding the swine carob pods and longing for their food because he was so hungry. At this point, Jesus added, “and no one was giving anything to him.” It’s a simple little phrase we might miss if we are reading quickly, yet it’s vital to the story.
When we discuss this story, we often focus on the unconditional love of the father or the anger of the older brother, because the younger brother’s life seems pretty straightforward. He requested his share of his father’s wealth, lived recklessly, and returned home destitute. But there is so much more to his story. Through the life of the younger son, Jesus lays out four stages of transformation.
Stage One: Rock Bottom. This is one of the most important steps to lasting change. Hitting rock bottom allows us to look truthfully at our contribution to the situation. However, it rarely occurs because family members or well-meaning friends often try to help us by saying it’s not our fault. When others step in to “fix” or “save” us, we have no reason to take responsibility and address the root of the character issue. This is the significance Jesus addressed when he stated that nobody gave him anything to eat. He was forced to hit rock bottom and assess his situation accurately and honestly. A Bible study author once said that instead of telling a friend, “You shouldn’t have to suffer in that way,” it’s much better to say, “I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this season of suffering.”
Stage Two: Repentance. In assessing his situation, the younger son realized, “…my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!” To repent means to turn away from or go in the other direction. It was repentance that drove him to return home. He decided to turn around from the life he had been seeking and go back to address his failings. “I will get up and go to my father, and say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.'” True repentance is a humbling experience. It’s accepting your responsibility and admitting your own sinfulness.
Stage Three: Restoration. So, the young man did as he said. He went home and confessed his sins. “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” The Apostle Paul says to “confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed” (James 4:16a). Each time we confess our sins to our Heavenly Father, He works with us to restore all those broken parts of us that have created such havoc in our daily lives and relationships. I once had a family member tell me she wanted her husband to experience this stage of transformation without having to go through the first two, but it doesn’t happen that way. To experience the stage of restoration, we must recognize our brokenness.
Stage Four: Resurrection. “But we had to be merry and rejoice [the father told his eldest son], for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live…” From restoration comes resurrection. When we offer God the broken parts of ourselves and allow Him to restore us to health and wholeness, we experience newness of life. The Apostle Paul said, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ...” (Ephesians 2:4-5).
What I find equally impactful to these four stages of transformation is the father’s response to the son’s return. While the son was still a long way off, before he could even state his confession, the father had compassion for him. He ran to his son (in a day and time when running wasn’t proper), and embraced him. His son was forgiven even before he confessed. This is what Jesus has done for us. The moment we repent and head home to our Father, we are forgiven. Our confession is not so God will love us again or love us more, our confession is necessary to offer Him our brokenness and experience His healing. And what does the son do? He accepts it all — the love and newly restored life his father offers.