In the Gospel According to Luke (15: 11-32), Christ relates the parable of the prodigal son. A son asks his father for his inheritance and leaves the parental home, only to fritter away all his wealth. Arriving at last at sickness and poverty, he returns to his father's house. The old man is blinded by tears as he forgives his son, just as God forgives all those who repent. This parable in Rembrandt's treatment is addressed to the heart of everyone: "We should be glad: for this son was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
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