Consider Conference: The Prodigal and the Road That Leads Home

2023 October General Conference, Sunday Morning Session

The Prodigal and the Road That Leads Home
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Main Points

• The parable of the man and his two sons is (like all of the Savior’s parables) a parable for our time – it is about you and me, today.
• It takes courage to repent and follow the path that leads back home to our Father; but Christ will help us on that path.
• We can accept and help and love those who have wandered from the path.

Gospel Principles taught

Our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, Agency, The Atonement, Faith in Christ, Repentance 

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Plan of Salvation, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Commandments, the Plan of Salvation, the Covenant Path

Scriptures

Luke 15, Luke 19:10, Luke 15:11, Deuteronomy 21:17, Luke 15:13, Luke 15:14, Luke 15:16, Deuteronomy 14:8, Alma 32:13–14, Luke 15:17, Luke 15:20, Luke 15:18–19, 21, Luke 15:22–24, Luke 15:29, Luke 15:31–32, Alma 34:31, Matthew 20:1–16, 2 Nephi 31:19–20, 1 Peter 1:8, Psalm 28:7

Related talks: 

• The Tugs and Pulls of the World
• The Laborers in the Vineyard

Look for Jesus Christ:

• Testimony of Christ.
  • It is my prayer that each one of us may hear, in this profound parable, the Father’s voice calling us to enter the road that leads home—that we may have the courage to repent, receive forgiveness, and follow the path that leads back to our compassionate and merciful God. Of this I bear witness and leave you my blessing in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
• Description of His Teachings.
  • Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer…came to earth “to save that which was lost.”
• Description of His Atonement.
  • “It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s [atoning sacrifice] shines.”
  • I bear witness that the moment you decide to return and walk in the way of our Savior and Redeemer, His power will enter your life and transform it.
• Description of His relationship with us.
  • The Master Healer stands at the road that leads home, welcoming you.

Inspiring Words & Phrases

• …Had there been social media in that time, surely (the prodigal son) would have filled pages with animated photos of laughing friends: #Livingmybestlife! #Neverhappier! #Shouldhavedonethislongago!
• But the party did not last—it rarely does.
• He had been so sure that giving in to his worldly desires would make him happy, that moral laws were obstacles to that happiness. Now he knew better. And oh, what a price he had to pay for that knowledge!
• the road that leads home
• “Dear son, all that I have is yours! This is not about comparing rewards or celebrations. This is about healing. This is the moment we have been hoping for all these years. Your brother was dead and is alive again! He was lost but now he is found!”
• Our Heavenly Father will run to us, His heart overflowing with love and compassion. He will embrace us; place a robe around our shoulders, a ring on our finger, and sandals on our feet; and proclaim, “Today we celebrate! For my child, who once was dead, has come back to life!” Heaven will rejoice at our return.
• Though choices may have taken you far away from the Savior and His Church, the Master Healer stands at the road that leads home, welcoming you.
• No matter what may have happened in your life, I echo and proclaim the words of my beloved friend and fellow Apostle Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: “It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s [atoning sacrifice] shines.”
• Your return will not diminish the blessings of others. For the Father’s bounty is infinite, and what is given to one does not in the slightest diminish the birthright of others.
• No, our path will not be free from grief, sorrow, or sadness. But we came this far “by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.” And together we will “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all [people].” Together we will “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,” for Jesus Christ is our strength!
• Jesus Christ is our strength!

Lists

Ways we are like the Prodigal Son:

• Who among us has not departed from the path of holiness, foolishly thinking we could find more happiness going our own self-centered way?
• Who among us has not felt humbled, brokenhearted, and desperate for forgiveness and mercy?

Things we wonder when we consider taking “the road that leaves home”:

• Is it even possible to go back?
• Will I be labeled forever?
• Will I be rejected and avoided by my former friends?
• Is it better to just stay ‘lost’?
• How will God react if I try to return?

This parable teaches how our Heavenly Father reacts when we return to Him:

• Our Heavenly Father will run to us.
• His heart will overflow with love and compassion for us. 
• He will embrace us.
• He will clothe us: place a robe around our shoulders, a ring on our finger, and sandals on our feet.
• He will proclaim, “Today we celebrate! For my child, who once was dead, has come back to life!”
• Heaven will rejoice at our return.
• Angels in heaven will rejoice. And so will we, your family in Christ. After all, we know what it’s like to be a prodigal. We all rely daily on the same atoning power of Christ. We know this path, and we will walk with you.

How we can progress on the covenant path:

• Remember that the path will not be free from grief, sorrow or sadness
• Keep in mind how far we have come “by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.”
• Help each other.
• Press forward together with a perfect brightness of hope, a love of God and love of all people.
• Rejoice together, for Jesus Christ is our strength!

Stories:

• It has been called by some the greatest short story ever told. Since it has been translated into thousands of languages across the world, it is quite possible that during the past two millennia, the sun has not set without the story being referenced somewhere in the world – the story of the man with two sons.

Invitations/Challenges

• We as members of the Church of Jesus Christ seek to follow His example and embrace you (who are returning to the Savior and His Church) as our brothers and sisters, as our friends. We rejoice and celebrate with you.

Warnings

• Beneficiaries of “prodigality” celebrate, applaud and champion (poor) choices.
• But the hunger, loneliness, and remorse simply wouldn’t go away—until “he came to himself.”

Blessings/Promises

• I bear witness that the moment you decide to return and walk in the way of our Savior and Redeemer, His power will enter your life and transform it.
• Angels in heaven will rejoice. And so will we, your family in Christ. After all, we know what it’s like to be a prodigal. We all rely daily on the same atoning power of Christ. We know this path, and we will walk with you.

Application Ideas

1. Consider if any “worldly desires” are appealing to you. How can you alter or replace those desires with others which will lead you to Christ rather than away from Him?
2. If you have strayed in any degree from the road that leads home, decide to change your course.
3. Think of anyone that you know who is trying to return to the Savior and the Church and could use your help. Pray for guidance as to how you can support and help them.
4. Remind yourself every day this week that the Savior loves you and stands ready to welcome YOU on the road that leads home.

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