Which gospel contains the Parable of the Prodigal Son?

• A. John
• B. Luke
• C. Mark
• D. Matthew

Answer: (B)

The passage that contains the Parable of the Prodigal Son is found in Luke, and that’s why Luke is the best answer. This gospel uniquely records the story in Luke 15:11-32, within a cluster of three parables about what is lost and then found—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son—all illustrating God’s initiative to seek, forgive, and restore the repentant. The parable itself tells of a younger son who squanders his inheritance, returns in humility, and is welcomed with the father’s lavish mercy, which highlights Luke’s emphasis on grace, forgiveness, and inclusion of the wayward. Because this particular parable does not appear in Matthew, Mark, or John, Luke stands out as the source. The term “Prodigal Son” is a later label; the story centers on the father’s generous forgiveness rather than the son’s wastefulness, aligning with Luke’s broader message about God’s compassionate response to sinners.