Luke 15:11-32 A friend suggested to me to do a study on the Prodical son. We have looked at this parable during our family Bible Study (We are presently studying the book of Luke) and I was amazed to discover the truths found in this parable of what happened to the younger son as God changes us. I hope you would enjoy it as much as I have puzzled through it. Praises be to God as He definitely reveals His Word to babes; Matthew 11:25 ¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
11 ¶ And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Verse 11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
In the Bible, God uses the phrase "certain man" 32 times. Sometimes God would give us the name of that certain man; most time He does not. Generally, the reference to "a certain man" is a general reference that points to a general purpose-type lesson that we are to learn with attributes of such man as typified as main characters in a parable. The character of the man in this parable can be revealed by his action that translate to characters that depicts those that are either "God-like" or "un-God-like" in nature. As the nature of the Bible where God teaches us, through these parables, lessons we are to learn and follow. This great parable we will look for the Gospel message, as always, to see what valuable lesson or instructions there are in store for the believer. Because the Bible is the believers book of instruction, therefore we find out what He has in store for us. In much like in any type of a father-sons relationship we see similarly a father and his two sons. We are not for some reason, told of the existence of a mother. This we will not read into because we are not told.
What Gospel message do we draw from this? Well, we know that there are two kingdoms in the world; those that are with Christ and those of Satan. At this point it is too premature to derive further whether the two sons represents anyone of those kingdoms but we are patient as we see how the parable develops.Verse 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
We learn that the younger son requested what he knew was his share prematurely. The father, being a patient and loving father did as he was petitioned. Simply, we are not told of the intentions or emotions involved in this exchange. Subsequently, we see the father grant the request of the son and gave him his share. The word "living" is simply worldly good or material provisions that sustains life as we see in 1John 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good <979>, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? We see that in life it is typical that as the young son did, we end up doing what we want in life. If we are to assume for a moment that the father in this picture is God the Father does it fit the picture? We shall see. Here is a perfect example of how we respond to our heavenly Father. In our unsaved lives we have no regard for the will of God and we always have the desire to fulfill what pleases us. We seek the career that we choose based on what we want. There is hardly a regard for what our earthly fathers want for us to do. We always think we know better. This is a picture of someone who is unsaved, and yet we are told that he is a son. Does it fit that we are sons of God and yet we want to do our own will. This is not Biblical but let's see how the story develops This is another question we need to address as we look further into this parable.
Verse 13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
The younger son, having gotten his request granted, did the most natural thing and did what was natural and distanced himself from his father and the way he was raised. The inference of a "far country" conveys the idea of wanting to distance himself from his father's love and care and influence. When we analyze this spiritually, it conveys the idea of being separated from God. Those who are separated from God is a picture of the unsaved of the world because God will not hear their cry as we read in Jeremiah 14:12 When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.
We are told that the son wasted his substance. When we check out the use of the word wasted, we find;1287 diaskorpizw diaskorpizo dee-as-kor-pid'-zo
AV - straw 2, scatter abroad 2, scatter 2, waste 2, disperse 1; 9
This word wasted is use 9 times in the new testament and we see the parable of the wicked servant that was given the one talent;Matthew 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast <1287> not strawed <1287>: We see the servant's reason for disobeying his master. Is there ever a good enough reason for us to disobey those that we work for? The answer is no. A child of God's first test is how obedient we are to our masters and those that are over us. Following, we see the answer; the punishment for the servant's disobedience, which is the same for all those who disobey
Matthew 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have <1287> not strawed 1287>: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
We see further the same word used in Luke 1:51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered <1287> the proud in the imagination of their hearts. This is exactly the case in which we see in the younger son and what he is faced with. His prideful heart which has rendered him independent of the love, care and wisdom of his father. Like the parable of Matthew 25:26 we see the same results for such people. Here then is the end for those that are full of pride; they will be cast out into outer darkness; hell. The younger son, if he stays that way, will suffer the same consequent. Fortunately, if God is our refuge, in spite of where we start God will see whatever difficulty we may go through if we are one of His elects.Verse 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
It comes as no surprise what will come next. After having lived with no regard for tomorrow financially or otherwise we see what was imminent in the life of the younger son. We see a perfect scenario that God has allowed to bring about the turn in his life but first he must go through some hard lessons. In most cases, there is always a monumental event that sparks a turnaround in ones life if he is an elect of God. We see the younger son having depleted all his share of his father's wealth and is faced with a real life situation of how would he take care of himself because there is a great famine in the land. Here is a picture of someone who since breaking away from his father wanting his independence is no longer that as he finds himself needing assistance. We read in Proverbs 13:25 ¶ The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want. The spiritual application of this verse is that the righteous (those who have been given the righteousness of Christ; i.e. saved) shall eat (this is not referring to the consumption of physical food but that of the Gospel) the Gospel and will be satisfied. i.e will understand the Gospel and be a recipient of it. Those that are not saved will be in want. This is the spiritual picture that we see here.We also see in Psalm 34:9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. This verse confirms what we read in one of the most popular Psalm 23:1¶ <<A Psalm of David.>> The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. The picture here is that if we are saved we will not be in need of anything because God will provide all that we need, even our physical needs.as we read in Luke 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. This is a promise from God that we seek not the treasures of this world, but it is God that we must first seek out.
Verse 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
This is a despicable physical transition and yet it was necessary for his the younger son so that he would work to get by as he has lost all he had. Some of us may very well relate to this. This simply means if we are not good stewards of our money, etc., we might very well find ourselves in a very similar situation. We see the same with those that are homeless in our time. However this is not the reason that God wrote this parable. In our disobedience to God we will find ourselves with the swines of the world, which is a picture of those who are unclean or unsaved. This is the chastisement that God may put us through in order for us to see. We would be fortunate if this is to happen to us.
Verse 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
The lesson we learn here is the desire of the younger son to the food of the swine. This is the picture of how it is when God is not in our lives. When we sin and disobey God we are identified with swine. (A swine is a picture of a dirty animal which God commanded the Israelites not to eat of it because it was an unclean animal. We see the law given by God in Deuteronomy 14:8 And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.) This is how we are perceived by God while we are yet sinners because we do what the people of the world do. We lust after the idols of the world. We participate in their sins and we are alien to the love of God the Father. We see how God commands us to disassociate ourselves with those of the world as we read in Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. We are not to bring the Gospel to the dogs and the swine and yet God in His mercy has done the miracle in the life of the younger son and the resulting turnabout and a sincere change of heart. This we can not do on our own, We are only able to change because God's mercy named us in His will and put our names in the Lamb's book of life and elected us unto salvation. This all leads to a very great lesson which hopefully God will send us. In this case we see God has prepared a way to break the younger son of his stubborn will. We read in Hebrew 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. What patience and longsuffering that the Father endures as we go through these trial and chastisements.
Verse 17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
What exactly is it that we do so that we could come to ourselves. Was this not possible to achieve while the younger son was still in his father's house. Apparently not. So we get this idea that the younger son on his own came to himself. However without this prior knowledge the younger son would not have been able to come to himself. Similarly we see the familiar situation with the unjust steward of Luke 16:4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. The understanding of the unjust steward came by through the word of God as if he had prior knowledge of what it would be like to be put out of the stewardship. The younger son, however, had the benefit of having being in the presence of his father to see and observe what it is like.The implication of the two incidences are very similar except one is an actual observation as in the case of the younger son and the other is through the reading of the word as we saw in the study of the unjust steward in Luke 16. God maybe using this to point out how realistic it is even when we are just reading His word that we do not have to physically see with our physical eyes; but we are to trust Him totally with our lives. This we find is a true reflection of those who are in the Lord; Psalm 9:10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. This is a promise that we will be fulfilled in the lives of the believers. Without God in the lives of His elects, we would perish, hence the utterance by the younger son; "How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare" Spiritually we see this as fact revealed when God opens our spiritual eyes. The hired servants are the believers who have the Gospel in the form of bread which is Jesus Christ, for those who are hungry and lost as we see this in John 6:35 "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." The Gospel of Jesus Christ is bread when He taught us how when we pray in Matthew 6:11; Give us this day our daily bread. That is the bread that is the result of God's blessing as it become a see to those who bring the Gospel and bread of life to those who are God's elect as we see in Isaiah 55:10; For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: We see this very profound throughout the Bible as God talks about how he sustained the children of Israel in the wilderness as a picture of the believers being shepherded by the Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, Jehovah God. We see this in Nehemiah 9:15 "And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them." This is the picture that we see God is painting through the transformation of the younger son, a picture of God's elect.
Verse 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,What we see here is a totally different individual that left his father in verse 12. What did happen? We could say that it is easy to follow the scenario because as it would with any of us in that situation, without food, without a home, he had to come home. In our world, we see young people away from their homes without money or resources and they seem to be happy the way they are. Each situation is different, maybe the young people do not want to go back to their homes or perhaps the parents have given them ultimatums and they fell through, or worse yet the parents have given up on their children and they lack the parental attributes and patience to do their responsibilities. Either way, neither one is correct as far as God is concern.The disobedient children is a big sin in the eyes of God. The end result is that these young children when they grow up will not obey God either, in all likelihood. However we are not told that the son disobeyed his father but we can read into it because no young person is to leave his father's house unless he has his portion of the goods that fall on him at the passing of his father. One thing is clear in this verse is the change of heart of the younger son; and not only a change of heart but a new attitude toward himself and his father.
What spiritual lessons do we learn from this verse? First, the brokenness by the younger son. This action is similar to what we find in Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. With the younger son we can see a similar situation. God has given him a new heart to realize his sin.and he seem to be genuinely repentant. This can only be the work of God in our lives if we are an elect of His; a chosen vessel unto God for God to use. We see also his realization of his relationship to God as he says "I have sinned against heaven" This simply indicates that he realizes his situation between him and God. No unbeliever realizes this; no person on their own without God working in their life could arrive at such a conclusion. God is using this scenario to point out and demonstrate to us how He works in the life of one he has elected.
Verse 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
This confirms what we have alluded to so far in that God has already worked in the heart of the younger son. First, notice the change of heart; "I am no more worthy to be called thy son" This is a devastating statement for a son to think and be convicted of. This is not because he does not want to deal with his father as in most cases we may imagine, but the affirmation of being broken and of a contrite heart.We see how God reveals Himself to those of such a heart Psalm 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. We see this in the life of king David when he realized his sin in Psalm 51:16-17; 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. There is no panacea for sin than this in the sight of God. Interestingly enough as we have seen, it is God that gives us this new heart. Here we see how God, in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the shepherd of our lives if we are His. Secondly, we see how he in no longer the selfish young son who wanted his portion from his father, but how he desires to be his father's servant. This too, is further confirmation that salvation has come to the life of the younger son. Every believer is given the command to be a servant of God as to brings the Gospel as we see in Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, This is the transformation that can happen in our lives also when we see how the younger son. This is the purpose that God gave us this parable; so that we can be instructed as to how we are to conduct our lives. It is reassuring that our work is not only what we do but it is God that blesses this work for His glory, if He would where we read in 1Thesalonian 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. This is the reassurance that have in God, that He will bring to pass all things according to His will. No amount of witnessing can be fruitful unless God is in it. We read in Isaiah 55:11 "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." God is in charge of what we do when we witness. He saves those to whom He desires to save.
Verse 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.We see the younger son returning to his father in fulfillment of his promise to himself in his new change of heart. Before even the father even realizes what changes the younger son has gone through, he runs off to meet his son with compassion. This is the love of a father for a son, it's a demonstration of parental love that no amount of misdeed would overcome. This is the earthly story, but how are we to understand this spiritually. What lesson is God teaching us here. This is a picture we see as in the mercy of God. before we were saved, if we are His elects, He would still love us as we read in Romans 5:8-10; 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Even though the younger son left his father with his portion of the goods, his father still loves him. We can see this in the way he greeted him. We know this about the love of God the Father. His love for His children is never diminished even though we may in disobedience to His laws in Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: In our disobedience yet God still love us 4 ¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: God's grace is never ceasing even though it may seem that he has forgotten us as in the case of the younger son when he was hungry. God may use such an adverse situation to draw those He loves unto Himself. That is the love of God. In the earthly story we are told that the father ran and "fell on his neck" We see a similar verse in Genesis 46:29 And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. This action illustrates for us the emotional state one has for a long lost relative or friend; so does the younger son.
Verse 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
As the younger son has said to himself in verse 19, so we find the application in this verse where he is actually beseeching the mercy of his father. He is confessing his remorsefulness and broken heartedness. We see this as a total turnaround as before. Morally, this reveals the proper attitude of such a son to his father. We see the proper relationship between children and their parents in Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. This is the commandment that is given to any children. Unfortunately, as with the rest of the commandments of God, they are not given heed as we saw in the younger son prior to his change of heart. What major lesson can we learn from this experience? What has our obedience to our parents to do with God? Well, the Bible being the Word of God, it teaches us how to be (2Timothy 3:16) The most important lesson is if we don't obey our earthly parents whom we see, how can we obey a God whom we don't see? The Bible is our training ground on the things of the Lord. If we obey our parents, it is easier for us to obey God and it would be an easier transition than if we did not.
What is the Gospel message that we could learn from this verse? Most importantly is the fact that we must realize our desperate condition and our need of a Saviour. We realize that we cannot do anything on our own. We see this with the younger son. The verse tells us that the son said to his father "I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight" This is a situation where the son has totally surrendered his will and is brought very low in the sight of his father and God. This is the work of God in the lives of His elects.as we see in Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. God does the changing of our hearts as we see in the life of the younger son to become renewed in the love of God the Father when we are saved. The rest of the verse is quite startling as we see the rest of the younger son's confession "and am no more worthy to be called thy son." as we see the remainder of this statement that is in verse 19 which says "make me as one of thy hired servants" As elects of God, yet to be saved, we are sons of God, when He saves we we are joint-heirs with Christ. This being so yet our main responsibility is to bring the Gospel as servants of God. This statement underscores this relationship between the believers and their heavenly Father as we see in Romans 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. This is the scenario that is being introduced here that when we are saved, God gives us the desire to serve Him by being His witnesses in all the world. We become servants of God as we see the younger son's desire to be his father's servant. This is the relationship that we have with our Heavenly Father, we are His servants and we see this all throughout scripture as the prophets of old are referred to as servants of God.
Verse 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe <4749>,,and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
4749 stolh stole stol-ay'
AV - robe 5, long clothing 1, long garment 1, them + 848 1, long robe 1; 9
The word robe<4749> is used 9 times in the New Testament. Here we see the love of a true father, knowing the wisdom of youth, does not condemn his son but is full of compassion. Here is a series of events that will illustrate to us the responsibilities of a child of God. When the father said to his servants to bring the best robe we are looking at the picture of God the Father giving us the best robe representing the robe of Christ's righteousness that is a covering of our sins if we are saved. We see this usage as in Revelation 6:11 where the word "robe<4749>" as indicated And white robes <4749> were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. This is those that become saved that have relieved the covering for their sins. We see the same reference in Isaiah 61:10 ¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. We see a similar reference at the wedding feast in Matthew 22:10-14 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen. In this parable we are given a preview of what is to come to those that will not be saved. They will be caught without wedding garments and will therefore meet their predetermined end. Unless we have the wedding garment we can not be accepted into the wedding feast, which is the wedding of the Groom (Christ) and His bride (believers) on the last day when the Lord Jesus finally returns fir the consummation of the marriage.
After being adorned with the best robe, the servants are commanded to put a ring on his finger. What do we make of this? The ring is a symbol of power and authority as we see in Esther 8:8 Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse. When we become saved we are referred to as kings. This is another portrait that God is painting. Not only do we get the best robe, but we are kings reigning with Christ. 2Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: We find also further information in Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
When we look at the word ring we find:
1146 daktulioj daktulios dak-too'-lee-os,
we find it is only used ince in the New Testament but it is a root word from the word (1147 daktuloj daktulos dak'-too-los) It's used 8 times as the word finger(s). The ring <1146> signifies our ordained ruler ship by God as He has saved us. There is only one use of this word in the New Testament in this verse We look at this word we find it used;
Mark 7:33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers <1147> into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue; The finger of God wrote the law who created the world which represents the authority and power of God (Exodus 8:19, 31:18). We see the healing of the deaf man with an impediment speech. This is a picture of the healing we would experience when we become saved. Our spiritual ears are opened and our speech is made whole for the bringing of the Gospel. This is the picture that God is painting here. We see also use in Luke 11:20 But if I with the finger <1147> of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. Similarly, we see the casting out of devils as another portrait that God uses to point out that we have been cleansed from our evil ways and that God has saved us. This is the authority that is given to the younger son God has brought salvation into his life and has opened his tongue to be a witness for Him. (A mandate for every believer)Next we see the father tells his servants to put shoes on his feet<4228>:. This command, as in the two previous is a picture that continues and reaffirms our calling once we are saved. We see the references in Ephesians 6:15 And your feet <4228> shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; This is what our calling is. Our feet are made to wear the shoes of the will of God as a means where we bring the Gospel. We are given a picture of healing as we see in Matthew 15:30-31 And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: 31 Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel. This is what happen in a nutshell. The totality of bringing the Gospel so those unsaved (sick) may be saved (healed) The emphasis of the Gospel is NOT physical healing but spiritual; that salvation may come to God's elects. As we witness in Romans
10:15 the necessity of preaching; And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them <4228> that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Verse 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:In the historic event we are seeing a celebration with much friends and family, except for the older son. However this big party has a very important Gospel message that we could learn as God gives it to us. The killing of the fatted calf points directly to the Lord Jesus Christ. The killing of the fatted calf as the father commands is likened to a Lamb or Calf as a picture of the sacrifices that has been observed by the Israelites as a form of sacrifice for their sins. We see the account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: This is a command by God in the beginning as it continued throughout the children of Israel as a way to atone for their sins. We find this in Leviticus 4:26 And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him. This is the picture of Christ on the cross when He became the sacrificial Lamb, killed for the sins of His people. The fact that they ate of it we see Abraham offer meat to the High Priest Melchisedec. Genesis 18:7-8 And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it. 8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat. In this scenario, we see another picture of the calf being eaten. This is the picture of the body of Christ that we eat of in order to be saved. Christ is the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world for the redemption of our sins.If we are an elect of God then Christ's death on the cross was for us. Our salvation will be initiated once God the Father starts drawing us to believe on His son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will open our eyes to understand our horrible condition and our need for a Saviour. This is fulfilled when God completely turns our lives around and our spirit is reborn and we get introduced to our new life by reading His word whereby we start to see the salvation of God becoming clearer and clearer as His Spirit teaches us all thing and bring everything into our remembrance.This we read in John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. This is the situation that we are starting to see with the younger son as he is the picture of all those whom God saves.
Verse 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.This is the condition that we all come to face. As the father rejoices that his son has returned from his journey we see a spiritual implication discussed throughout the Bible. The condition of being dead and be made alive again can be found when we look elsewhere in the Bible we find this spiritual application in Ephesians 2:1 ¶ And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; This is the condition we have before we are saved. We are spiritually dead because of our sins. It is our sins that separate us from God for nothing that is imperfect can stand in the presence of the holy God.But because of the mercy of God wherewith He has quickened us into life everlasting.We read further in Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. This is what we witness here is that the younger son was dead (unsaved in his sins and is now made alive (saved) by the mercy of God the Father as we see in John 5:21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. The use of the phraseology; "was dead and now made alive" is similar to that of "was lost and is found" which simply explains the transformation from the condition of being unsaved to being saved. And we see how how much joy and of those that are in heaven when a single soul is saved as we witness in Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. This is the joy we see in all them that began to celebrate the salvation of the younger son.
Verse 25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
Here we see the older son upon his return overhears the music and dancing as the father celebrates the return of his younger son. A point can be made that the older son did not enter into the house where the celebration was going on. He has heard music and dancing and knows that's its music and dancing and has identify what they are but was not sure what the reason is.
Verse 26-27 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.27.And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
What do we make of the fact that the older son did not go into the house but called one of the servants to enquire? This action tells us that he did not trust his father enough to go and find out about the music but enquire through the servant. How can we understand this? He is told that his brother has returned and his father had killed the fatted calf. Some things that maybe known is the fact that these two brothers are opposite to one another. They are as diametrically opposed to one another as any brothers would. We know that the younger brother is an elect of God whom God has brought to salvation by the language of the previous verses. We find there is much joy in heaven for one sinner that come to repentance.
Verse 28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.What can we make of the older brother? We find that he is angry. Who do we know that is angry when a younger brother is relieved of the Lord? We read in Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry<3710> with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
We see this anger in the older brother as a disobedience of this commandment of God.A similar verse we find in Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth <3710> with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. These evidences seem to characterize the character of the older brother as that of Satan, the dragon, being angry with the woman, who is the picture of the believers. Further proof can be found in the fact that he does not share the joy in the restoration of his younger brother to the family like his father and his servants are. This means that he does not share the joy of the family of God, who are the body of believers. This display can not be attributed or relate to the joy of all others who are rejoicing with his younger brother's return being the picture of those that become saved.He seems more concerned for what was not done for him rather than what is being done for his younger brother who was lost, was dead and is now alive; hardly the attitude of a child of God. So we examine what happens as we look at the motives of the older brother. In the story of Esau and Jacob we find a commentary to this blessing as God brings us this scenario to emphasize the point of the two brothers. Genesis 27: 30 - 41 ¶ And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. 31 And he also had made savoury meat, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that thy soul may bless me. 32 And Isaac his father said unto him, Who art thou? And he said, I am thy son, thy firstborn Esau. 33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed. 34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father. 35 And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing. 36 And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me? 37 And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son? 38 And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept. 39 And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above; 40 And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck. 41 ¶ And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob. [As some future time Lord willing, we may be able to look at this chapter but it is hereby provided for context and for your convenience ] We can see the contrast as Esau is the picture of the unsaved and Jacob those that are saved. Esau hated his brother so does the older brother here, The father went to intreat his older son as we see Isaac in verse 33 that he "trembled" because he intended to give the blessing to Esau but now he is caught in a spot and he feels devastated about it. [ As an aside, we see the will of God being carried out as it was predicted in Genesis 25 23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. Is it any wonder that we should all be surprised that this is the outcome of Esau and Jacob? We are told in this verse. Specifically also we see God outlines the purpose of the two babies as they are the progenitors of two nations; What two nations are this? We read in verse 22 of Genesis 25 22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. We can see the beginning of the purpose of God as He lays out the foundation of these two nations; The kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan.Verse 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
What facts can we learn from the older son? We know that has never disobeyed his father and has always been the good son and yet there was never a celebration where a kid was killed for him and his friends. As we have established that the killing of the fatted calf was a picture of Christ that was slain for the sins of the elects of whom the younger son is a picture of; therefore we can conclude that because there was never a calf killed for the older brother therefore he remains unsaved. His claim of having kept all of his father's commandments is a picture of all those who try to get to heaven by by their own righteousness by keeping the law.This cannot be the case because of what we find in Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. There is no mixing of grace and works. Either it is one or the other otherwise they would be one in the same. If we insist on wanting to contribute something to our salvation then we are definitely not saved as we see in Galatians 5:3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. Circumcision is insisting on doing something to be saved as in the Old Testament which is a picture of those who would be saved when they keep the law. There is no man that is able to do this. That is why Christ had to keep the law because of what we also find in Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. This is the faith that God gives us as we start to read His Word as we have found in Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. This is where the Word of God is instrumental of our salvation. We do not receive faith just by saying that we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. We must study His Word in order for our faith to develop a relationship with God. We cannot understand God nor begin to obey Him unless we are studying His Word. When we study, His Spirit will give us the understanding that will reveal His Truths to us, if we are His elects. This whole process is enveloped in Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. All that is required for us to be saved was through the faith of Christ and none of anything that we do. When we see that the fatted calf was killed for the younger son indicates the sacrifice that was done in the Old Testament as a sacrifice to God for the sins of the younger son. This was not done for the older son. Because there was no fatted calf killed for the older brother therefore it is clear that he was never saved. Interestingly enough, most people will insist that he was a righteous son, he obeyed his father. However, this does not get us saved regardless of how we may perceive the previous sinful life of the younger son. This does not mean that it's OK to be sinful because God will saved us. This is not what this parable is teaching either. God has elects that were pre-destinated for salvation. Had the younger son not been an elect of God, he would continue in his life somehow, and when he dies, he would end up in hell. We are saved because Christ did the work to satisfy the demand of God's law of righteousness and thereby saving us. God's grace has afforded us the opportunity to be included in a group of people that God has pre-ordained for salvation. God is totally the superintendent of His salvation plan. God's message about salvation is emphasized here which pertain to those that are saved and those that are not. The fundamental message of this parable is the fact that there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. On the other hand His mercy abounds to those to whom He blesses from before the beginning of the world. Salvation is NOT by our righteousness portrayed by the obedient older son, but by the grace of God who giveth to His elects as we see in the younger son. That is the Gospel message of this parable. Where do we measure up to God's grace with our good works. We DO NOT. We see in Hebrew 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. God is the ultimate Creator and Deliverer of His salvation plan. Nothing is left haphazardly to anyone in which the least is sinful man.Verse 30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
Here we are reminded again as the older son is pleading his case. We can of course feel sympathetic with him. It makes perfect sense. This is the mystery of the salvation of God; unless He opens our understanding, we will not see it. All things being equal, the older son should be the one that is saved. However, the scriptures will not support it. We can not find anything in the scriptures to support this. (I have puzzled over this, as I have also looked at the older brother as perhaps a picture of Christ, our older brother. There is nothing that would justify the fact that he is angry at the salvation of his younger brother. This I feel is the clincher to this parable. There is rejoicing in heaven for one sinner that repents (saved) WE do not find the older brother sharing this. We see this in the case of Cain and Abel and of Esau and Jacob and spiritually speaking that of Adam and Christ; (second Adam) God is bringing to us another parable that demonstrates His salvation plan. The snare is the fact that the older brother has never transgressed his father's laws. This however in not what it takes to be saved. The younger brother should be punished and chastised. This punishment was put on Christ when He was our stand-in on the cross. Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Verse 31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.We beg to ask the question: If the younger son is a picture of the elects of God and the older the unsaved, what do we make of this statement? When we look at the story of Esau and Jacob. it may give us a clue. We read in Genesis 27:37-40; 37 And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son? In this verse we see a parallel situation between the younger son and Jacob. The blessings of the younger son is similar with Jacob's; (Genesis 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: When we analyze this we see a blessings of someone who is going to bring the Gospel: The dew from the heaven is the rain that waters the field for the sowing of the seed of the Gospel. The fatness of the earth is the result of that labor. As we labor to bring the Gospel, the yield of that work is the result of the fatness of the land because God has brought down the dew from heaven to bear fruit as He sees fit. The confirmation of this is the next phrase: "plenty of corn and wine" refers to the harvest of the field as the corn or wine is referred to as a picture of the Gospel. Much in the same way that we see the younger son being blessed to bring the Gospel, so like wise also we see the same with Jacob.) 38 And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept. In this verse we compare to that of the older brother in Luke 15:29-30. As the older brother tries to remind his father of all the good that he has done which should qualify him for a better blessing (salvation) This is what the world always feel they deserve because of all the good they have done. We see this emphasized in Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. It is clear from this verse what happen to those that believe in their own works and in their minds they feel they have the truth, and yet they do not. Consequently they will perish because they are not saved. These verses tell the story of those who are like the older son.39 And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above; 40 And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck. In these verses we should find the answer to that of Luke 15:31; Let's read it again And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. The blessing of the older brother is that he will inherit the physical goodness of the land as indicated by the phrase "thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth" Esau due to this blessing is given the land as we read God instructs the children of Israel through His prophet Moses in Deuteronomy 2:2-9 And the LORD spake unto me, saying, 3 Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward. 4 And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore: 5 Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession. 6 Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink. 7 For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing. 8 ¶ And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab. In this command we see God make a pronouncement to the children of Israel not to meddle with the children of Esau because the blessing of Esau was given to him "that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck." Notice that the children of Seir are not to serve or accomodate the children of Israel. There is no yoke as before when it was prophesied in the time of their birth Genesis 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. As a matter of fact, they are told in verse 6 "Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink. " Esau Compare this with the blessing of the older brother; "and all that I have is thine". Because the blessing of Isaac that was meant for Esau, thus fulfilling Esau's birthright that was sold for a pottage of lentils, was already given to Jacob, all that was left was given to Esau; hence the blessing given "and all that I have is thine". Compare that with Jacob's blessing is that he is "God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth,..." Jacob is given the inheritance of the earth, Esau shall dwell in it and enjoy it but he does not inherit it. This can be confirmed by the fact that the believers will inherit the earth as we find in Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. In the final analysis, we see the confirmation of all that we have as Esau will serve his brother and such time that he "will have dominion, shall he break his yoke from off thy neck" We read this word "dominion" and we see it used in Psalm 55:2 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; We also see the same usage in Jeremiah 2:30-31 30 In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion. O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee? Interestingly enough we see in these verses the application the two elements in Esau's blessing.: That of the "by thy sword shalt thou live" and "thou shalt have dominion" as referring to the nation of Israel as a rebellious people who have forsaken the laws of God and wanted to be on their own. This further confirms our conclusion about the older son.
Verse 32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.What better confirmation can we have other than to rejoice when one sinner who repents as we read in Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. This is the emphasis of this verse that all the regardless of the work we do there is much joy in heaven as God brings one of his lost sons back to the fold. God in His infinite wisdom has planned everything perfectly according to His plans, which includes us as believers in bringing the Gospel, but it is God that saves. The elects of God are likened to the dead and now made alive, they were lost but now are found. There is no greater joy than to serve the Lord and to obey His commandments as we read in 3John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. We do not know who His elects are but we know that if we obey Him His Spirit lives in us and that our joy is to love Him by keeping His commandments in which the greatest of them is to love our neighbor by bringing the Gospel. Are we our brother's keeper?
Summary Grace not Good Work: What major lesson can we find from this parable? This well known parable is quite revealing to us. This is the big lesson of this chapter. It definitely shows us the distinction between the two types of people that are in the world with regard to their salvation. This concept, arguably, is the divider between the beliefs of these two groups. Case in point; we have seen the older brother, having done all that his father commands, yet he is unsaved. The younger son, an elect of God, did become saved because God had ordained it from the beginning. Every inhabitants that ever had a breath of life in this world have to give an account to God on that day. We either belong to one or the other of these two groups. No one is exempt. We see this in 2Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. This parable has made it clear for us that not what seems good in the eyes of men is necessarily acceptable unto God. Unless God elects us to salvation, no matter what kind of good work we do God does not recognize it; it counts for nought because it is not the will of the Father. Therefore we must search His Word to find out for ourselves, if these things are true, if He would be merciful and allows us to see it. If this study has made you uncomfortable, perhaps God is starting to work in you life. Seek Him today while He is near; beseech Him and cry out for His mercy
May God give us the eyes to see and the ears to hear!
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