524. LUK 15:20, LUK 15:32. THE PRODIGAL SON. (SKETCH III.)

Luk_15:20, Luk_15:32. The Prodigal Son. (Sketch III.)

"And he arose and came to his father. But 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: and the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son," &c.’97Luk_15:20, Luk_15:32.

We have now to contemplate the most beautiful part of this moral picture. The prodigal is on his way homeward, and we are now to witness the happy results of true repentance, and spiritual reformation of life. He has now arrived in the precincts of the paternal dwelling. His mind full of anxiety’97his heart throbbing with the conflicting emotions of shame, penitence, and hope. The Saviour introduces the father to us, as if he had been looking towards the country to which the prodigal had wandered. No doubt his heart had often been moved, and his bowels yearned over his wicked and disobedient child. Observe then, in this part of the parable,

I. The happy meeting. In this meeting there is much of minute detail, that must not be overlooked.

1. The father first saw the prodigal. He beheld him when yet at a considerable distance. Saw him in his rags and misery; yet saw him returning,’97knew him as his rebellious child, but now with his rebellious heart subdued.

God, our gracious Father, sees the first dawn of spiritual light in the sinner’s mind. He observes the emotions of the penitent’s heart. He witnesses his feet returning towards the way of obedience and life.

2. The father ran to meet the prodigal. Does not withdraw himself, nor even wait for the penitent obeisance of his child. Full of love, he hastens to meet him, and thus to inspire him with hope and joy. How affectionate and condescending! Yet, just so God seeks the wandering sinner,’97beseeches him to come to him, and live. Says, "Come now and let us reason," &c. Isa_1:18, &c.

3. The father exhibits the reconciled state of his heart towards him. "And had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck," &c. The father was first in this reconciliation. His bosom overflowed with tenderest love. He required nothing to produce it. It was his very nature. He delighted to exhibit it. How free’97how full’97how spontaneously it flowed. He embraces him. He gives him the token of his pardon and favor, for he kisses him. And now, observe,

4. The prodigal’s confession. His father’s mercy and tender preventing love, did not satisfy the prodigal, or render his repentance and confession the less, but rather the more necessary. His shame would be doubled. His remorse vastly deepened. His sorrow the more intense at having offended, despised, and forsaken such a father. So he said, "Father, I have sinned," &c. The goodness of God generally leadeth to repentance. It is the cross of Christ subdues the heart. The graciousness of the gospel that gives it its saving power. Observe,

II. The hearty reception. We have seen him already in the father’s arms and bosom. Observe, now, the train of blessings which he receives.

1. His rags are exchanged for the family costume. "The best robe is put upon him." God has appointed to those that mourn in Zion, "Beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." Isa_61:3. See Psa_30:11.

2. The ring of acceptance is placed on his finger. This is the sign, and token, and pledge of pardon, and reconciliation. It would remind him both of his wanderings and adoption.

3. God gives his spirit to testify to the penitent sinner’s acceptance. Shoes are placed on his feet. Servants and slaves generally worked barefoot. This showed, therefore, that he was received as a son, and not as a hired servant. The children of God wear the shoes of the preparation of the Gospel of peace. The emblem of filial obedience and love. Notice,

III. The distinguished banquet. "And bring hither the fatted calf," &c., Luk_15:23. Here was a festival of joy and gladness The gospel dispensation is often likened to a feast. It was predicted as such. See Isa_25:6.

V. The Saviour compared it also to a feast, Mat_20:1, Mat_20:4. Observe,

1. The provision was abundant. The richest and best the family could provide.

2. The guests were numerous. The tidings of the returned prodigal were soon spread abroad, and neighbors and friends were invited to share in the joy of the occasion.

3. The rejoicing was great. A lost son found, a dead son alive! No marvel at the sound of mirth and gladness being heard afar off. If the finding of a lost piece of money, or recovering a wandering sheep, should give joy,’97how much more the restoration of an immortal mind,’97Salvation of a deathless being, the recovery of a prodigal child. What joy should the restoration of a fallen sinner produce on earth, when the very angels of God are enraptured and exult on the occasion. The parable concludes,

IV. With the cold-hearted envy of the elder brother, Luk_15:25, &c. Here, doubtless, was portrayed the spirit of the Jews in general, in their dislike of the Gentiles, but more especially the envy of the Pharisees, that Christ should receive publicans and sinners. The spirit of the elder brother,

1. Was base and inhuman. For the occasion of the joy, was his brother’97his younger brother. He refuses him, however, that appellation, and calls him, "Thy son."

2. It was self-righteous and odious. He describes himself as faultless. "Neither transgressed I at any time," Luk_15:29. Who can truly say that? Let him who is without sin cast the first stone. He had no consideration for the frailty of man,’97no pity for an erring brother. How striking the contrast of the spirit of the father, and of the elder brother! How forcibly, yet sweetly, he replies to his unkind and envious remarks! How he dwells on the interesting character of the occasion! How he defends the joy and gladness which was exhibited! "It was meet that we should make merry for this thy brother,’97not only my son, but thy brother was dead,’97so reckoned by us, and is alive again,’97lives and breathes in our midst; and was lost, and is found."

Learn,

1. How generous and pure is the benevolence of the gospel. It is of God, and from him, and resembles his tender and infinite love.

2. How hateful is an envious self-righteous spirit. It is the spirit of the evil one, and therefore from beneath.

3. Happy they who have repented of sin, and who have been received into the Saviour’s family of love.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS