Notes on Luke 15:20-32

Luke 15:20-24

See HC 85.

Luke 15:20

The father's response was unexpected. far away . . . father saw. This suggested that that the father was actively looking for the son to return. compassion. Extended to the son before he heard any confession or repentance (vv. 18-19, 21; 7:13; 10:33). ran. A total break with social norms. Running was unheard of in that day for someone older and well-respected. hugged . . . kissed. Open signs of affection and reconciliation (see Gen. 33:4).

Luke 15:21

The son began his planned confession (vv. 18-19). But was interrupted by the joyful, forgiving father (v. 22). heaven . . . your sight. See note on vv. 18-19.

Luke 15:22

best robe . . . ring. Symbols of wealth and acceptance. The ring may have contained a seal which would have shown his sonship. The father desires the full reclamation of his wayward son. sandals. Servants often went barefoot.

Luke 15:23

Meat was not eaten at every meal in the biblical culture. It was saved for special occasions (v. 24).

Luke 15:24

dead . . . alive. Death was a fitting picture for his loss of the son. His return is like a resurrection. lost . . . found . . . celebrate. Repeats the themes of the earlier parts of the parable (see note on v. 3).

Luke 15:27

returned safely. More than physical well-being. He has returned to the family. This is a picture of salvation.

Luke 15:28

Just as the younger son insulted the father by demanding his inheritance and leaving (v. 12), now the older son insults his father by refusing to join the celebration. begged. Jesus wanted the Pharisees and scribes (v. 2) to join him in celebrating the salvation of sinners (see note on v. 32).

Luke 15:29-30

slaved for you. The older son had been consumed with serving and obeying. Though one son saw his sin and believed himself only worthy to be a slave, the other son never saw his sin and never lived truly as a son, but a slave. So, the younger son was lost and outside the family but returned. Yet, the older son was lost inside the family. He refused to be part of the family reconciliation and celebration with the repentant son. your son. The older brother is so upset he refused to identify the younger son as his brother (see 10:17). prostitutes. Possibly as attempt to bring an accusation worthy of the death penalty in ancient Israel (Deut. 21:18-21).

Luke 15:31

Son. An affectionate affirmation of the father's love. He overlooked the harsh accusation of the older son just as he overlooked the rebellion of the younger son (v. 12). all . . . is yours. The older son had forgotten the true nature of his relationship to his father. Rather than enjoying loving fellowship, he worked hard and believed he was owed a reward (v. 29). He didn't understand that he could have had a celebration with friends (v. 29) at any time.

Luke 15:32

proper. It is always right to celebrate the repentance of a sinner who repents and experiences God's salvation (vv. 7. 10). brother of yours. As Jesus finished the parable, he was speaking to Pharisees and scribes who refused to rejoice at the repentance of others (v. 2). They were like the older brother. Jesus was like the father of the parable, pleading with them to join him in the kingdom where sinners repent and there is great rejoicing. He challenged them to see their own sin and seek the mercy of God who is willing to forgive.

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