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I. A SINNER'S AVERSION AND ALIENATION FROM GOD.

1. A sinful state is a state of departure from God.

2. An extravagant or spendthrift.

3. A wretched or destitute state.

4. A servile and slavish state.

5. A state of perpetual dissatisfaction.

6. A state of deadness or death.

II. THE SINNER'S RETURN TO GOD, AND THE MANNER THEREOF. The first demonstration of his return is —

1. Consideration of his father's kindness.

2. By comparison, he saw his misery.

3. The view he got of the superiority of his father's house.

4. Determination.

5. Confession.

6. Self-condemnation.

7. Humble submission.

8. Filial confidence.

9. His obedience.

III. THE SINNER'S APPREHENSIVE RECEPTION.

1. The father's affection to his returning child.

2. Eyes of mercy: he saw him as from a mountain.

3. Bowels of mercy: he feels compassion.

4. Feet of mercy: "he ran," while his son "came" only.

5. Arms of mercy: "he fell on his neck."

6. Lips of mercy: "he kissed him."The provision presented.

1. He came in rags. "He put the best robe upon him, a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet" (see also Isaiah 61:10).

2. He came hungry. "Bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry" (see also John 6:54).

3. Great joy. "Let us be merry" (see Luke 15:10); "Let them also that love thy name, be joyful in Thee (Psalm 5:11).

4. The conduct of the elder brother (25-30) serves as a reproof to the Pharisees, who were displeased at the conversion of the Gentiles.

(T.B. Baker.)

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KJV: And he said, A certain man had two sons:

WEB: He said, "A certain man had two sons.