“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!’” [Luke 15:17]

The story of the prodigal son is one of the most beloved of Jesus’ parables. It is the third parable Jesus told to the Pharisees to reprove them for their uncaring attitude toward the “publicans and sinners.” In this parable he shows how God feels, and how they should feel, about sinners who repent.

Remember that the prodigal son left his father’s house, taking his inheritance. Away from his father’s watchful eye, he squandered his wealth in riotous living. Soon reduced to poverty, he managed to find work feeding pigs, an unclean animal according to Mosaic law.

Finally, we read, “he came to his senses.” That phrase indicates that this man had been lost—not just lost from God but also lost from himself. Such people do not understand themselves and have no direction in life. They are riding the roller coaster of life, moving from one party to another, from one affair to another. When this happens, a person tends to lose any sense of identity and integrity.

We human beings have the amazing ability to deceive ourselves. We rationalize, make up excuses, and say we will change tomorrow. God brought circumstances into the life of the prodigal son that woke him up. Suddenly he realized what had happened to him. That awakening was the most critical event in his life.

The prodigal son journeyed home. His father received him with joy and killed the fatted calf to celebrate. However, the older brother was not rejoicing. He became angry and refused to go to the feast. He focused on the past sins of his brother rather than on his repentance. He was not about to forgive his brother, regardless of how quickly and fully his father was willing to do so.

The father told him that rejoicing was necessary “because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (v. 32). The message was sent and received; the Pharisees realized they were acting like the older brother.

Before the Face of God…

Often we get angriest at those closest to us. Are you refusing to forgive a relative who sinned against you, but who has since repented? Such an attitude will keep you from full fellowship with God. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and to show you the people you need to forgive, so you, too, can partake of the feast of the kingdom.

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.’” [Luke 15:22]

As the prodigal son journeyed back to his father’s house he did not realize that his father was hoping for his return. But, “while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). The young man humbly confessed his sin and acknowledged that he was unworthy to be his son.

Notice the father’s response. Each of the tasks he ordered his servants to perform for the repentant young man signified that he was restoring his son to a new life. Let’s look at each of these gifts the father gives to his returned prodigal, because they show us what our heavenly Father has given to us.

First the father says, “Bring the best robe and put it on him.” Remember Joseph’s robe, given to him by his father, Jacob, and the robe later given to Joseph by Pharaoh? These robes denoted honor. A king wishing to honor a visiting dignitary would present him with a costly robe. Thus, the father was saying, “Treat my son as the guest of honor.”

Second, “put a ring on his finger.” This was a signet ring, the type a king would give to his prime minister. The man who wore this ring could exercise all the authority of the king. Thus, the father was saying, “This man is my son, and he exercises all my authority in this house.”

Third, “put sandals on his feet.” Servants went barefoot in the house, but the sons did not. The prodigal had every expectation that he would become a servant; instead he was given the shoes of sonship and privilege.

Finally, the father said, “Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate” (v. 23). In the days before refrigeration, meat was eaten only on very special occasions. This feast marked the celebration of the son’s return to the fathertable.

Before the Face of God…

The word prodigal (which we often equate with “wayward”) actually means “lavish” or “abundant.” The title can indicate a twofold meaning: First, the son was lavish in sin, and, second, his father was lavish in grace. Today meditate on the prodigious gifts of our “Prodigal” Father: his Word, prayer, the Lord’s Supper, assurance of salvation, and the fellowship of believers.

--Source: Sproul, R. (2000). Vol. Book two: Before the face of God: Book 2: A daily guide for living from the Gospel of Luke.