Luke 15:15 – “So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.”
Extended Explanation
This verse shows how far the younger son has fallen. After wasting his inheritance and finding himself in desperate need due to a famine, he is forced to hire himself out to survive. The job he gets—feeding pigs—would have been extremely degrading for a Jewish man, since pigs were considered unclean animals under Jewish law (Leviticus 11:7-8).
The fact that he is working for a foreigner (“a citizen of that country”) adds to the humiliation, as he is cut off from the safety of his home and community. What began as a search for freedom and pleasure has turned into a life of shame, poverty, and desperation. This verse highlights the consequences of his rebellion and the emptiness of the life he sought apart from his father.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, pigs were seen as the epitome of uncleanness. The Law of Moses prohibited eating or touching them, and they were often associated with pagan practices. For a Jewish man to be sent to feed pigs would have been considered one of the lowest, most humiliating jobs possible.
The fact that the son “hired himself out” reflects the reality of economic desperation during famines. In many ancient cultures, people who had no resources would sell themselves into servitude just to survive. The son’s willingness to take such a degrading job shows how severe his situation had become. For Jesus’ audience, this detail would have illustrated how sin can lead to complete degradation and separation from one’s identity and values.
Theological Implications
This verse vividly portrays the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. The younger son’s descent into poverty and shame is a picture of what happens when we seek fulfillment outside of God’s will. Sin may seem attractive at first, but it ultimately leads to emptiness, despair, and degradation.
The son’s willingness to work with pigs symbolizes the spiritual uncleanness that comes from living apart from God. Just as the son is physically distant from his father’s house, he is also spiritually distant from the values and blessings he once had. This verse is a reminder that sin doesn’t just harm our relationship with God—it damages our sense of identity and leaves us spiritually broken.
Literary Analysis
This verse is part of the downward spiral that began when the son left home. Each step in the story builds on the previous one, showing the progression from rebellion to regret. The phrase “hired himself out” indicates that the son is no longer in control of his life. His search for independence has left him dependent on a foreigner who cares little for his well-being.
The imagery of feeding pigs is not just a literal description of his job—it’s symbolic of the spiritual and moral filth that comes from living in sin. The parable uses this vivid image to evoke a sense of rock-bottom despair, setting the stage for the son’s eventual repentance.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 11:7-8 – The Law of Moses prohibits eating or touching pigs, making them a symbol of uncleanness.
- Isaiah 59:2 – “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.”
- 2 Peter 2:22 – “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud,” a warning about the destructive nature of sin.
- Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a warning about the consequences of living outside of God’s plan. Like the younger son, many people chase after worldly pleasures, believing they will bring satisfaction and freedom. But when the temporary pleasures fade, they are often left feeling empty, ashamed, and spiritually lost.
This verse challenges Christians to consider where they may be “feeding pigs” in their own lives. Are there areas where they have compromised their values or distanced themselves from God? It’s a call to recognize the emptiness of sin and return to the only source of true life and satisfaction—God Himself.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Even though this verse highlights the son’s shame and desperation, it also hints at God’s love and purpose. God allows the son to experience the consequences of his rebellion, not to destroy him but to lead him to repentance. God’s love is not just about protecting us from pain—it’s about allowing us to grow and turn back to Him when we’ve made poor choices.
God’s love is evident in His patience. He doesn’t abandon us when we hit rock bottom. Instead, He waits for us to realize our need for Him. Just as the father in the parable eagerly awaits his son’s return, God is ready to welcome us back with open arms when we repent.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is part of the larger story of redemption that Jesus came to fulfill. The younger son’s descent into disgrace mirrors the human condition—lost, broken, and in need of a Savior. Jesus is the one who rescues us from the “distant country” of sin and restores us to a right relationship with God.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for sinners to be forgiven and cleansed from the spiritual uncleanness represented by the pigs. In John 8:34-36, Jesus says, “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin… So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Just as the younger son will eventually be freed from his shame and restored to his father, Jesus frees us from the bondage of sin and brings us back into the family of God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever experienced a time when your pursuit of worldly pleasures left you feeling empty or ashamed?
- Are there areas in your life where you have “hired yourself out” to things that pull you away from God’s plan?
- How does this verse challenge you to reconsider the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance?
- What can you do to help others who may be in a season of spiritual despair, like the younger son?
- How does this verse give you hope, knowing that God is ready to restore you when you turn back to Him?
This verse is a powerful reminder of the emptiness of life apart from God, but it also points toward the hope of restoration. No matter how far we’ve fallen, God’s love and grace are always available, waiting for us to come home.