Luke 15:11-32 And he said, A certain man had two sons:… I. WE SHALL NEED TO GROUP TOGETHER AT THE OUTSET THE PARTICULARS WHICH SHOW THIS YOUNG MAN'S ALIENATED CONDITION AT THE MOMENT WHEN THE STORY GIVES HIM INTRODUCTION. (see vers. 11, 12). 1. He was estranged from all love for his father. His affections had been soured and turned before he made this abrupt demand. He addressed his father as to a division of his estate in a cool, technical way. 2. He was away from his home (see ver. 13). His father's residence which he had left is pictured in the parable, with the family life in it, by two or three strokes of a master hand. Even the servants had enough and to spare. Feasts were not unknown. Music and dancing were part of the entertainment. But it is plain that the old father meant to be master there; and that was precisely the condition of life this impulsive youth resolved to escape. 3. He had fallen into poverty (see ver. 14). Removed from influences which had hitherto kept him in check, he began the career of a profligate and debauchee. A little time spent in this voluptuous folly sufficed to run through his fortune. 4. At last he sank to the lowest, and became a servant. He went and offered himself to a master. The citizen of that country put him at the very worst business he had for any menial to do. 5. At this moment the young man was actually hungering in the presence of his beasts (see ver. 16). So far from having the right to despise the lowly creatures of his charge, the prodigal began the rather to envy them. The picture must be turned now to show just how it illustrates the condition of a sinner alienated from his Father in heaven. His own pride of heart lies at the bottom of his departure; he wants to be master of himself. Gathering together all his resources of time, talent, energy — all his powers of mind and body — he rushes away into the world of dissipation and lust. Now he goes to the devil directly and hires himself out, and Satan accepts him at his own valuation, and puts him among the swine. II. LET US NOW SEEK FOR THE PARTICULARS WHICH DISPLAY THIS PRODIGAL'S ENTIRE CHANGE IN PURPOSE AND FEELING BY WHICH HE WAS AT LAST LED BACK TO HIS HOME IN PENITENCE AND PEACE. (see ver. 17). 1. First of all, he began to think "I thought upon my ways and turned my feet unto Thy testimonies." The expression here is as singular as it is strong — "When he came to himself." A sort of madness was in his heart. He sees where he is, and what he is, and what he has so long been doing. 2. Then he began to remember. That is Scripture counsel for us in these later times — "Remember from whence thou art fallen." The prodigal recollected the kindness of his home in the days gone by. 3. Then he began to regret. His grief over the wickedness of his career is shown by the softness and gentleness of his forms of meditation. We discover no demonstrations of spite. 4. Then he began to hate. Abruptly, but for ever, he throws up his engagement with his cruel master. He renounces absolutely all the associations of his life in this far country. 5. Then he began to resolve (see vers. 18, 19). So critical is this as a point in his experience, that we must analyze it step by step to the end. (1) He resolved he would arise. If he was actually bent on making a change, he must be up on the instant and out of this. Nothing could be gained by delay. (2) He resolved he would go to his father. To whom else could he go? Drudgery was here, freedom was yonder. Shame was here, honour was yonder. Slavery was here, duty was yonder. Starving was here. plenty and to spare were yonder. (3) He resolved to speak to his father. Observe, in this little speech he says over and over again to himself there is not one word about food or raiment, or future fortune. He is going to get the awful past right before he begins on anything else. He decides that he will confess before he begins to plead; what he wants is pardon. (4) He resolved to be obedient to his father. Unworthy of sonship, he will ask for a servant's place. Indeed, now he has come to see that the lowest position in his father's house is higher than the highest he ever discovered in all these reckless, wicked days since he left it. Here, again, we must pause to turn the story, so as to see in all plainness how it illustrates the process of mind and behaviour through which a contrite sinner returns to his Father in heaven in the hour of his resolve. These steps are all homeward steps. III. There remains for our study now only one more grouping of particulars which show THIS PRODIGAL'S RECEPTION WHEN AT THE LAST HE ARRIVED IN HIS OWN COUNTRY, AND CAME TO HIS FATHER'S HOUSE. 1. He carried out his purpose of arising and going to his father (see ver. 20). It would have done no good just to resolve and then sit still there among the swine. 2. He carried out his purpose of confessing his sin to his father (see ver. 21). Perhaps he had been fainting with hunger; but hope would tell him of comfort by and by. Perhaps he would meet a train of travellers, who would laugh at his sorry look and condition; but he would think of help coming before long. Perhaps his heart wholly sank at the moment when from the last hill he saw his home; but he would be sure to fall back on his sure faith in his father's affection. 3. He carried out his purpose of full obedience of his father. To be sure, not a word was said about his being a servant any more. He was a sou now, and all the old honour had come with the robe and the ring. But the unspoken resolve still remained in his heart (see Hebrews 5:8). (C. S. Robinson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he said, A certain man had two sons: |
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