Why did the prodigal son decide to return to his father?
The younger son returned because he realized his own inability and deep need, acknowledging that in himself he could do nothing. He recognized the father’s house was the only place for sustenance and spiritual life, so he went back to the giver of covenant promises.
Les explains that the youngest son, like the little lamb caught in the thicket, came to realize his need and that there was only one place he could go for sustenance: back to the Father. He had to return to the Giver of covenant promises and the Giver of spiritual life. This illustrates Jesus’ parables showing the Jew their state of need for Him, that in themselves they could do nothing.