Luke 15

This and the next chapter contain a series of parables peculiar to Luke, directed particularly against the Pharisees; first (in ch. xv.) in reply to their accusation, then (in ch. xvi.) in reproof of their covetous worldliness. In ch. xv., their murmurings at our Lord’s reception of publicans (I, 2) are silenced by three beautiful parables, displaying God’s love to the greatest sinners. The silly wanderer (see Prov. i. 4, and note) is sought out, brought tenderly back, and rejoiced over (3-7). The smallest coin which has borne God’s likeness (Gen. i. 26) is thought to be worth patient search and public joy (8-10). Even the thankless, wayward, wasteful, debased prodigal is still regarded as a son, and is watched for, embraced, restored, and honoured, filling the Father’s house with joy; though self-righteous men may refuse to receive him (11-32).

1 drew near. Lit., “were drawing near” (R.V.). It was so habitually.

3-7. Parable of THE LOST SHEEP. Here the point seems to be that of foolish, helpless wandering.

4 the wilderness. The open pasture-land: see note on Matt. iii. 1.

5 layeth [it] on his shoulders. Not driving it back. The circumstance is finely expressive of the tenderness shown by the Good Shepherd.

8-10. Parable of THE LOST PIECE OF SILVER. Here the special thought seems to be that of the Divine ownership. The strayed sheep excites pity, and is sought for its own sake; the silver coin is lost to its possessor, and for that reason is searched for. There may be the further thought of the “image and superscription” which gives its value to a coin.

8 a candle. Rather, “a lamp”; to enable her to search the darkest corners of the ill-lighted house.

11-32. Parable of THE PRODIGAL SON. This parable has been well called the crown and gem of our Lord’s parables. One writer calls it “The Pearl of Parables.” In distinction from the other two, it sets forth sin as wilful, purposed wandering. To both the younger and elder sons the father shows the same condescending grace; and the warm welcome and full forgiveness which he gives to the

No class in house

12 the portion of goods that falieth to me. By law an inheritance was divided equally among the sons, except the eldest, who took a double share. But this son claims his share before it is due.

14 began to be in want. “He had spent all”; there is left no resource in himself; “there arose a mighty famine”; there is nothing external to satisfy the cravings of the soul.

15 to feed swine. Nothing could more forcibly depict to a Jew the extreme of degradation than the occupation of a swineherd as the servant of a foreigner, which would bear, in his view, the closest resemblance to the condition of the tax-gatherers who collected the taxes for foreign rulers.

16 the husks. Rather, “pods,” with the fruit in them, of the carob-tree (ceratonia siliquosa); which are used in the East for feeding swine, and are sometimes eaten by the very poor.

17 when he came to himself. He was not his true self while he lived in sin; he becomes conscious that he was made for other things.

How many hired servants, etc.? The lowest place in the father’s house is luxury compared with this.

21. I have sinned, etc.** The purposed conclusion, “Make me as one of thy hired servants,” is omitted; the father’s love is already so manifested that the son is conscious of the higher privilege.

22 the best robe, etc. The “chief robe,” the “ring,” and the “shoes,” implying freedom and dignity in the person who wore them, were never allowed to servants. Slaves went barefoot.

23 the fatted calf. Already in the stall, as if in readiness for a feast; not unusual in a rich man’s house.

24 dead. Alienation from God and from goodness is moral death.

28 and entreated him. God is long-suffering even to the self-righteous. “The parable itself, spoken to the Pharisees, was an entreaty to the elder brother” (Schaff).

29 do I serve thee. The unfilial slavish spirit here shows itself; strict obedience, but servile motive. The words that follow are more emphatically rendered in R.V., “and I never transgressed a commandment of thine.”

a kid. Even a kid: the smallest of festal gifts.

30 thy son. Not my brother. Contrast the answer of the father (32).

31. Son.** Lit., child, an appeal of loving, patient earnestness.

32. It was meet.** Lit., “There was need.” It could not be otherwise.