Luke 15:11-24
Summary for Luke 15:11-32: 15:11-32 a Like the previous two parables (15:3-7 b, 8-10 c), the parable of the lost son demonstrates God’s love for the lost and the joy he experiences when they return. It also allegorizes Jesus’ ministry. The father represents God, the younger brother represents the tax collectors and sinners to whom Jesus ministered, and the older brother represents the religious leaders.15:12 d I want my share of your estate now: This appalling request essentially says, “To me, you are dead.” There could be no greater insult to a father.
15:13 e he wasted all his money in wild living: Jews considered the loss of family property to Gentiles in a distant land to be particularly disgraceful and grounds for excommunication (see also Deut 21:18-21 f).
15:15 g Pigs were unclean animals (Lev 11:7 h; Deut 14:8 i), making this the most degrading job imaginable for a Jew.
15:20 j his father saw him coming: His father was apparently watching the road, longing for his son’s return.
• he ran to his son: Running was considered undignified for the family patriarch, but the father was full of unbridled joy at his son’s return.
15:21 k The son gave his rehearsed speech. Some manuscripts add Please take me on as a hired servant. The lack of this sentence in the better manuscripts suggests that his father didn’t give him a chance to finish.
15:22 l The finest robe belonged to the father; it affirmed the son’s role as an heir and a cherished member of the household.
• Get a ring for his finger: A ring was a symbol of authority. Like the robe, it indicated his status as son and heir.
15:23 m The father would have been fattening a calf for a banquet. The son was welcomed as a visiting dignitary.
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