Luke 15:20
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
So he got up
This phrase signifies a decisive moment of repentance and action. The Greek word "anastas" implies a rising or standing up, often used in the context of resurrection or awakening. It symbolizes the prodigal son's realization and determination to return to his father, mirroring the spiritual awakening that occurs when a sinner decides to turn back to God.

and went to his father
The journey back to the father represents repentance and reconciliation. The Greek "poreuomai" for "went" suggests a purposeful journey. This reflects the Christian belief in the necessity of turning away from sin and moving towards God, emphasizing the intentionality required in the process of repentance.

But while he was still in the distance
This phrase highlights the father's anticipation and longing for his son's return. The imagery of the father watching from afar suggests God's omniscience and His readiness to welcome back those who stray. It underscores the idea that God is always waiting and watching for the return of His children, no matter how far they have wandered.

his father saw him
The father's ability to see his son from a distance indicates his constant watchfulness and hope. In a spiritual context, it reflects God's omnipresence and His deep desire for the return of the lost. This seeing is not just physical but also a recognition of the son's repentance and change of heart.

and was filled with compassion
The Greek word "splagchnizomai" for "compassion" conveys a deep, visceral emotion, often associated with the innermost being. This compassion is a central attribute of God, demonstrating His mercy and love. It reassures believers of God's readiness to forgive and embrace them, regardless of their past.

He ran to his son
In the cultural context of the time, it was undignified for an elder to run. This action by the father breaks social norms, illustrating the depth of his love and eagerness to restore the relationship. It symbolizes God's proactive grace, reaching out to sinners with urgency and love.

embraced him
The embrace signifies acceptance and reconciliation. The Greek "epipipto" suggests a falling upon, indicating the father's overwhelming joy and affection. This act of embracing reflects the Christian doctrine of God's unconditional love and the restoration of fellowship with Him upon repentance.

and kissed him
A kiss in biblical times was a sign of forgiveness and reconciliation. The Greek "kataphileo" implies a fervent, repeated action, emphasizing the father's joy and complete acceptance. This gesture assures believers of the warmth and completeness of God's forgiveness, welcoming them back into His family with open arms.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Prodigal Son
Represents a sinner who has strayed from God but decides to return in repentance.

2. The Father
Symbolizes God the Father, who is loving, compassionate, and eager to forgive.

3. The Journey Home
The son's decision to return signifies repentance and the journey back to God.

4. The Embrace and Kiss
Demonstrates the father's (God's) unconditional love and acceptance.

5. The Distant View
Indicates the father's anticipation and readiness to forgive, even before the son arrives.
Teaching Points
God's Readiness to Forgive
God is always ready to forgive and welcome us back, no matter how far we have strayed.

The Importance of Repentance
True repentance involves a change of heart and a decision to return to God, as demonstrated by the prodigal son.

Unconditional Love
God's love is unconditional and not based on our past actions. He embraces us with open arms.

Anticipation of Return
Just as the father watched for his son, God eagerly anticipates our return to Him.

Restoration and Reconciliation
Returning to God leads to restoration and reconciliation, symbolized by the father's embrace and kiss.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the father's reaction in Luke 15:20 reflect God's character as described in other parts of the Bible?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate the same compassion and readiness to forgive others as the father did in this parable?

3. What steps can we take in our own lives to "get up and go" back to God when we have strayed?

4. How does understanding God's unconditional love impact our relationship with Him and with others?

5. Can you identify a time when you experienced a "distant view" moment, where you felt God was waiting for you to return? How did that change your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 103:13
Illustrates God's compassion towards those who fear Him, similar to the father's compassion in the parable.

Romans 5:8
Shows God's love for us while we were still sinners, paralleling the father's love for the son before he repents.

Ephesians 2:4-5
Describes God's rich mercy and great love, akin to the father's actions in the parable.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Speaks of becoming a new creation in Christ, reflecting the son's transformation upon returning.

Isaiah 55:7
Encourages the wicked to return to the Lord for mercy, similar to the son's return to his father.
A Fast Young ManW. G. Pascoe.Luke 15:11-32
A Father's Pity and LoveLuke 15:11-32
A Mental PictureR. Wardlaw.Luke 15:11-32
A Mighty FamineJames Hamilton, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
A Mind's TransitionW. M. Punshon, LL. D.Luke 15:11-32
A Mirror of MercyBishop Cowper.Luke 15:11-32
A Moving StoryF. Ferguson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
A Patchwork QuiltLuke 15:11-32
A Sinner Brought to His Right MindW. M. Hay Aitken, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
A Sinner Brought to His Right MindLuke 15:11-32
A Young Man Come to HimselfJ. T. Davidson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Abundance in the Father's HouseC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 15:11-32
Act At Once on ConvictionsW. B. Mackenzie, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
Adoniram Judson's ConversionJ. Kennedy, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
An Ignoble DepartureArchdeacon Farrar.Luke 15:11-32
Beneficial Results of AfflictionJames Hamilton, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Bitterness of Prodigal SinJ. H. Thomson, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
Brought to HimselfF. Ferguson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Carlyle and the CrustLuke 15:11-32
Coming to One's SelfH. W. Beecher.Luke 15:11-32
Complete Surrender to GodJ. H. Newman, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Concluding Reflection on This ParableF. Ferguson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Confession and RestorationW. G. Pascoe.Luke 15:11-32
Confession of SinC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 15:11-32
Constant Obedience Better than RepentanceJ. Jortin, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Contracted Views in ReligionJ. H. Newman, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Conversion not Necessarily a Protracted ProcessW. M. Taylor, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Dearth; or Pain the End of Sinful PleasureBishop Cowper.Luke 15:11-32
Deceived by PleasureC. Leach.Luke 15:11-32
Departure from HomeW. G. Pascoe.Luke 15:11-32
Eastern Law of InheritanceJames Foote, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
Eating the HusksA. G. Thomson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Elder BrotherlinessW. M. Taylor, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Ever with GodF. Ferguson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Famine MakersJ. Parker, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
FatherW. Hay Aitken, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
Feeding SwineJames Hamilton, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Folly of Leading a Gay LifeLuke 15:11-32
From Home, and BackW. Clarkson Luke 15:11-32
Gaming to HimselfW. G. Pascoe.Luke 15:11-32
Give Me My PortionW. M. Hay Aitken, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
God Allows Man to Use His IndependenceW. M. Hay Aitken, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
God Does not Deny Foolish, Inexperienced Man His WishF. Ferguson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
God's Joy At the Sinner's ReturnC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 15:11-32
Good Reasons for JoyW. B. Mackenzie, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
Good Resolutions Brought to PerfectionN. Rogers.Luke 15:11-32
Good Resolutions Must be Acted UponJ. Jortin, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Good Resolutions to be CherishedN. Rogers.Luke 15:11-32
Great ResolutionsJ. Wells.Luke 15:11-32
He Came to HimselfC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 15:11-32
Heavenly Merry-MakingsJ. Wells.Luke 15:11-32
HomesicknessDe W. Talmage, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Hunger FeltT. Guthrie, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
HusksProf. Isaac H. Hall.Luke 15:11-32
Impiety Urging Unjust DemandsW. G. Pascoe.Luke 15:11-32
In WantW. M. Taylor, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Inordinate Sorrow not Necessary to RepentanceN. Rogers.Luke 15:11-32
Joy on the Prodigal's ReturnDe W. Talmage, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Leaving HomeJames Hamilton, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Life AbroadW. G. Pascoe.Luke 15:11-32
Life After DeathF. Ferguson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Love for AllF. Ferguson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Luther's AwakeningJ. Kennedy, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Man Going into the Far CountryBishop Cowper.Luke 15:11-32
Man Invited to Return to His HomeChristian AgeLuke 15:11-32
Money All GoneDr. Talmage.Luke 15:11-32
Moral DeclensionF. D. Maurice, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
My Father Will Meet MeLuke 15:11-32
Our Need of the FatherA. P. Peabody.Luke 15:11-32
Parable of the Prodigal SonT. Dwight, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Pharisaism in OurselvesMarcus Dods, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Pretty Near to the HusksLuke 15:11-32
Religion no WasteBishop Cowper.Luke 15:11-32
Resolution LastingN. Rogers.Luke 15:11-32
Resolution not Followed to ExecutionN. Rogers.Luke 15:11-32
Revulsion After ExcessJames Hamilton, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Riotous LivingJames Hamilton, D,D.Luke 15:11-32
Sadness of a Lapse After RecoveryF. Ferguson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Satan's Assailing ResolutionsN. Rogers.Luke 15:11-32
Self-ImportanceW. M. Taylor, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Sin and its ConsequencesW. M. Punshon, LL. D.Luke 15:11-32
Sin as InsanityW. R. Clark, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
Sin CostlyBishop Cowper.Luke 15:11-32
The Angry BrotherW. G. Pascoe.Luke 15:11-32
The Beginning StarvationW. M. Hay Aitken, M. ALuke 15:11-32
The Best RobeJ. Dobie, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Best RobeD. Winters.Luke 15:11-32
The Best RobeF. Ferguson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Danger of Trifling with ConvictionsC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 15:11-32
The Dawn of Better ThingsW. B. Mackenzie, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The DegradationF. Ferguson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Difficulty of God's Service to Recent ConvertsJ. H. Newman, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Discontented Son Gets His WishW. B. Mackenzie, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The Divided LivingF. Ferguson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Efficacy and Joy of RepentanceBishop Wm. Alexander.Luke 15:11-32
The Elder BrotherThe Lay PreacherLuke 15:11-32
The Elder SonE. Mellor, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Elder SonJ. O. Dykes, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Elder Son's DispositionW. M. Taylor, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Elder Son's DissatisfactionF. D. Maurice, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The Far CountryW. M. Hay Aitken, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The Far CountryBishop Cowper.Luke 15:11-32
The Fatherhood of GodJ. Vaughan, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The FatherlandJames Hamilton, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Father's Joy At Thy Sinner's ReturnF. D. Maurice, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The Father's Readiness to ForgiveLuke 15:11-32
The Father's SilenceProf. Calderwood.Luke 15:11-32
The Folly of ExtravaganceJames Hamilton, D. DLuke 15:11-32
The Fruits of SinW. R. Clark, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The Hunger of the SoulH. Bushnell, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Law Restraining a ProdigalLuke 15:11-32
The Madness of SinJ. Burns, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Madness of SinnersJ. Orton.Luke 15:11-32
The Madness of SinnersW. M. Hay Aitken, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The Merry HouseholdW. G. Pascoe.Luke 15:11-32
The Nature and Consequences of SinW. M. Taylor, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Pain of Self-AwakeningW. M. Hay Aitken, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of FatherhoodBishop Alexander.Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the ProdigalA. G. Thomson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the Prodigal SonGeo. Gerrard.Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the Prodigal SonRepertorium Oratoris Sacri.Luke 15:11-32
The Pearl of ParablesC. S. Robinson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Penitent ReceivedW. R. Clark, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The ProdigalThe Lay PreacherLuke 15:11-32
The ProdigalJ. Sanderson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal and His BrotherF. W. Robertson, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal RepentingC. D. Marston, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal SonE. N. Kirk.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal SonT. D. Gregg, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal SonT. Kelly.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal SonJ. Burns, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal SonD. O. Mears.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal SonA. E. Dunning.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal SonD. G. Hughes, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal SonL. O. Thompson.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal SonJ. R. Boyd.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal's ConversionW. D. Horwood.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal's DepartureM. F. Sadler.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal's Elder BrotherA. Gatty, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal's FatherDe W. Talmage, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal's MadnessF. Ferguson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal's ReceptionC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal's ReturnJ. Burns, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal's ReturnR. Winterbotham, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal's ReturnC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal's ReturnNotes from a Soldier's Diary.Luke 15:11-32
The Prodigal's Wandering, Return, and ReceptionT.B. Baker.Luke 15:11-32
The Reformed ProdigalJ. Thomson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The ResolutionW. M. Taylor, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Return and the ReceptionW. G. Pascoe.Luke 15:11-32
The Return of the BanishedJames Hamilton, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The RingJ. Ferguson.Luke 15:11-32
The Safety of Moral ReturnC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 15:11-32
The SequelJ. Burns, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Sinning Soul a SuffererW. Hoyt, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Temptations to ExpenseJames Hamilton, D,D.Luke 15:11-32
The Turning PointC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 15:11-32
The Worlding ArrestedJ. Kennedy, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The World's Treatment of its Votaries in Time of NeedR. Maguire, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
The Younger and Elder SonsJames Foote, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The Younger Son and His DemandW. M. Hay Aitken, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
Touch IronF. Ferguson, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Trouble Draws the Soul to GodW. Arnot, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Two ProdigalsDe W. Talmage, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Unsatisfied DesiresW. M. Hay Aitken, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
Vain Efforts of the Soul to Find SatisfactionJames Hamilton, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
WasteW. M. Hay Aitken, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
Wasted LivesLuke 15:11-32
Wasted SubstanceW. Arnot, D. D.Luke 15:11-32
Wasted SubstanceW. B. Mackenzie, M. A.Luke 15:11-32
The Welcome HomeW. Clarkson Luke 15:20-24
People
Jesus, John
Places
Road to Jerusalem
Topics
Afar, Arms, Compassion, Covered, Distance, Distant, Embraced, Fell, Felt, Filled, Got, Kiss, Kissed, Kisses, Moved, Neck, Pitied, Pity, Quickly, Ran, Risen, Rose, Round, Tenderly, Threw, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 15:20

     1030   God, compassion
     2015   Christ, compassion
     5126   arm
     5398   loss
     5666   children, needs
     5781   affection
     5802   care
     5865   gestures
     5898   kissing
     5966   tenderness
     5977   waiting

Luke 15:1-32

     6040   sinners

Luke 15:3-32

     6650   finding

Luke 15:4-32

     2357   Christ, parables
     5438   parables

Luke 15:11-24

     6740   returning to God

Luke 15:11-31

     5686   fathers, examples

Luke 15:11-32

     1055   God, grace and mercy
     5738   sons
     8136   knowing God, effects

Luke 15:17-20

     6029   sin, forgiveness
     8479   self-examination, examples

Luke 15:17-24

     6624   confession, of sin

Luke 15:20-24

     4478   meat

Library
June 10 Morning
The younger son took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.--LUKE 15:13. Such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.--We . . . were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 11 Morning
He arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.--LUKE 15:20. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

The Humanity of God
ST. LUKE xv. 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. There are three parables in this chapter: all agree in one quality-- in their humanity. God shows us in them that there is something in his character which is like the best and simplest parts of our characters. God himself likens himself to men, that men may understand him and love him. Why there should be more joy over the
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

The Prodigal and his Father
'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
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Gifts to the Prodigal
'... 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....' --LUKE XV. 22, 23. God's giving always follows His forgiving. It is not so with us. We think ourselves very magnanimous when we pardon; and we seldom go on to lavish favours where we have overlooked faults. Perhaps it is right that men who have offended against men should earn restoration by acts, and should have to ride quarantine, as it were,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

'That which was Lost'
'An hundred sheep ... ten pieces of silver,... two sons.'--LUKE XV. 4,8,11. The immediate occasion of these three inimitable parables, which have found their way to the heart of the world, needs to be remembered in order to grasp their import and importance. They are intended to vindicate Christ's conduct in associating with outcasts and disreputable persons whom His Pharisaical critics thought a great deal too foul to be touched by clean hands. They were not meant to set forth with anything like
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Prodigal and his Brother.
Preached February 21, 1853. THE PRODIGAL AND HIS BROTHER. "And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; was lost, and is found."--Luke xv. 31, 32. There are two classes of sins. There are some sins by which man crushes, wounds, malevolently injures his brother man: those sins which speak of a bad, tyrannical, and selfish heart. Christ met those with denunciation.
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton

Number one Thousand; Or, "Bread Enough and to Spare"
It appears that when the prodigal came to himself he was shut up to two thoughts. Two facts were clear to him, that there was plenty in his father's house, and that he himself was famishing. May the two kindred spiritual facts have absolute power over all your hearts, if you are yet unsaved; for they were most certainly all-important and pressing truths. These are no fancies of one in a dream; no ravings of a maniac; no imaginations of one under fascination: it is most true that there is plenty of
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Lost Silver Piece
But, my dear friends, the three parables recorded in this chapter are not repetitions; they all declare the same main truth, but each one reveals a different phase of it. The three parables are three sides of a vast pyramid of gospel doctrine, but there is a distinct inscription upon each. Not only in the similitude, but also in the teaching covered by the similitude, there is variety, progress, enlargement, discrimination. We have only need to read attentively to discover that in this trinity of
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Turning Point
I. We shall begin by noticing that HERE WAS ACTION--"He arose, and came to his father." He had already been in a state of thoughtfulness; he had come to himself, but now he was to go further, and come to his father. He had considered the past, and weighed it up, and seen the hollowness of all the world's pleasures; he had seen his condition in reference to his father, and his prospects if he remained in the far-off country; he had thought upon what he ought to do, and what would be the probable result
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 20: 1874

The Parable of the Lost Sheep
Our divine Lord defended himself by what is called an argumentum ad hominem, an argument to the men themselves; for he said, "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not go after that which is lost, until he find it?" No argument tells more powerfully upon men than one which comes close home to their own daily life, and the Saviour put it so. They were silenced, if they were not convinced. It was a peculiarly strong argument, because in their case it was only a sheep
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 30: 1884

An Appeal to Sinners
Yours in much affection, C. H. S. "This man receiveth sinners."--Luke 15:2. IT WAS A SINGULAR GROUP which had gathered round our Saviour, when these words were uttered; for we are told by the evangelist--"Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him." The publicans--the very lowest grade, the public oppressors, scorned and hated by the meanest Jew--these, together with the worst of characters, the scum of the streets and the very riff-raff of the society of Jerusalem, came
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The Prodigal's Return
"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." First, I shall notice the position intended in the words, "a great way off ;" secondly, I shall notice the peculiar troubles which agitate the minds of those, who are in this condition; and then, thirdly, I shall endeavor to teach the great loving-kindness of our own adorable God, inasmuch as when we are "a great way off," he runs to us, and embraces us in the arms of his love.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

Jer. 6:16 the Good Way.
[5] "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." Jer. 6:16. THE book of the prophet Jeremiah receives from most Christians far less attention than it deserves. It is a noteworthy fact that hardly any portion of Holy Scripture is the subject of so few exhaustive commentaries and expositions. I fail to see the reason of this comparative neglect. The book was written, under God's inspiration,
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

The Yoke of Jesus.
At that time Jesus answered and said,--according to Luke, In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, 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. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. 'All things are delivered unto me of my father; and no man knoweth the son,'--according to Luke, 'who the son is,'--'but the father; neither knoweth any man the father,'--according to Luke, 'who
George MacDonald—Hope of the Gospel

Nor Let us Allege that we are Justly Rendered Timid by a Consciousness of Sin...
Nor let us allege that we are justly rendered timid by a consciousness of sin, by which our Father, though mild and merciful, is daily offended. For if among men a son cannot have a better advocate to plead his cause with his father, and cannot employ a better intercessor to regain his lost favour, than if he come himself suppliant and downcast, acknowledging his fault, to implore the mercy of his father, whose paternal feelings cannot but be moved by such entreaties, what will that "Father of all
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

Privilege and Experience
"And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine." --Luke 15:31. The words of the text are familiar to us all. The elder son had complained and said, that though his father had made a feast, and had killed the fatted calf for the prodigal son, he had never given him even a kid that he might make merry with his friends. The answer of the father was: "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine." One cannot have a more wonderful revelation of the heart of
Andrew Murray—The Deeper Christian Life

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision A. Introduction. ^C Luke XV. 1, 2. ^c 1 Now all the publicans and sinners were drawing hear unto him to hear. 2 And both the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. [For publicans see p. 76, and for eating with them see p. 349. The Pharisees classed as "sinners" all who failed to observe the traditions of the elders, and especially their traditional rules of purification. It was not so much the wickedness of
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision C. Parable of the Lost Coin. ^C Luke XV. 8-10. ^c 8 Or what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a lamp [because oriental houses are commonly without windows, and therefore dark], and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she find it? 9 And when she hath found it, she calleth together her friends and neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. [The drachma, or piece of silver,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Ill-Temper
"He was angry, and would not go in."--LUKE xv. 28. THE ELDER BROTHER THOSE who have studied the paintings of Sir Noel Paton must have observed that part of their peculiar beauty lies, by a trick of art, in their partial ugliness. There are flowers and birds, knights and ladies, gossamer-winged fairies and children of seraphic beauty; but in the corner of the canvas, or just at their feet, some uncouth and loathsome form--a toad, a lizard, a slimy snail--to lend, by contrast with its repulsiveness,
Henry Drummond—The Ideal Life

The Three Parables of the Gospel: of the Recovery of the Lost - of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Drachm, the Lost Son.
A SIMPLE perusal of the three Parables, grouped together in the fifteenth chapter of St. Luke's Gospel, will convince us of their connection. Although they treat of repentance,' we can scarcely call them The Parables of Repentance;' for, except in the last of them, the aspect of repentance is subordinate to that of restoration, which is the moral effect of repentance. They are rather peculiarly Gospel-Parables of the recovery of the lost:' in the first instance, through the unwearied labour; in the
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Lost Sheep.
"Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Prodigal Son.
"And he said, A certain man had two sons; 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. 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. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Lost Coin.
"Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."--LUKE xv. 8-10. The three parables of this group, as has been already intimated, do not
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

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