Concept:The parable that illustrates the central lesson of forgiveness and God's merciful welcome to a repentant sinner.Explanation:In the parable of the prodigal son, a son wastes his inheritance, but when he returns home in repentance, his father forgives him completely and celebrates his return.This teaches that God forgives anyone who sincerely repents, making it the parable that directly teaches forgiveness.Answer:D. prodigal son