‘Son,’ he said to him, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.’ Luke 15:31 This is a real picture of patience. This son had just directly revealed that he was motivated by material things just as his brother had been. Yet the father kindly reassures him that his reward is secure.…

But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. Luke 15:29 This son obviously had some ‘just renumeration’ in mind. He had served, and he had expected…

Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. Luke 15:28 We generally focus on the father’s relationship with the prodigal. But, here we see the father ministering to the older brother. He went out to where this young man was sulking. He reasoned with…

‘Your brother is here,’ he told him, ‘and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ Luke 15:27 The Greek word here that is translated ‘safe and sound’ means to be whole. It signifies one who is healthy in mind and body, but also in spirit. It is…

So he summoned one of the servants and asked what these things meant. Luke 15:26 The older son was completely unaware of what was going on. Unlike the father, who seems to have been expecting the return of the prodigal, this older son had no such expectation. He could not conceive of what might be…

Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. Luke 15:25 CSB The older son was doing what he was supposed to be doing. He was hard at work in the fields. And it seems nobody had told him what was happening. He was in…

because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! ‘ So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:24 CSB This is the core of the beauty of the gospel. These words are in Jesus’ story here as if said by God the Father upon the rescue of one…

Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, Luke 15:23 HCSB One who had turned his back on the truth has returned humbled. There is no greater cause for celebration! Yes, we rejoice in those who have stayed and been faithful. But those who are genuinely faithful will, like…

But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Luke 15:22 CSB The father restores the son to his full position as a member of the family. This makes his forgiveness of the prodigal clear to…

The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’ Luke 15:21 CSB The prodigal did not for any reason think that his admission of guilt was unnecessary, in spite of his father’s warm welcome. True repentance is not grovelling to…