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Luke 15:17
Verse
Context
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
16He longed to fill his belly with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him a thing.17Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food? But here I am, starving to death!18I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When he came to himself - A state of sin is represented in the sacred writings as a course of folly and madness; and repentance is represented as a restoration to sound sense. See this fully explained on Mat 3:2 (note). I perish with hunger! - Or, I perish Here. Ὡδε, here, is added by BDL, Syriac, all the Arabic and Persic, Coptic, Ethiopic, Gothic, Saxon, Vulgate, all the Itala, and several of the fathers.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
came to himself--Before, he had been "beside himself" (Ecc 9:3), in what sense will presently appear. How many hired, &c.--What a testimony to the nature of the home he had left! But did he not know all this ere he departed and every day of his voluntary exile? He did, and he did not. His heart being wholly estranged from home and steeped in selfish gratification, his father's house never came within the range of his vision, or but as another name for bondage and gloom. Now empty, desolate, withered, perishing, home, with all its peace, plenty, freedom, dignity, starts into view, fills all his visions as a warm and living reality, and breaks his heart.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when he came to himself,.... An unregenerate man, whether while a voluptuous man, or a self-righteous man, is not himself; he is beside himself; and is no other than a madman. The man that pursues his worldly lusts and pleasures, promises himself liberty, while he is a slave; he ruins himself, his soul, body, and estate, and chooses to do it rather than part with his lusts; he takes delight in doing mischief himself, and in seeing it done by others; he proclaims his folly publicly, declares his sin, and glories in it; all which a man in his right mind would never do. The self-righteous person trusts in his own heart, which is the greatest madness and folly in the world; he compasses himself about with sparks of his own kindling, and sacrifices to his own net; he dresses himself in his rags, and pleases and prides himself with them, when a robe of righteousness, and garments of salvation, are provided; which no man in his senses would ever do. But when the Spirit of God comes to work upon a sinner's heart in conversion, he brings him to himself; which a man may be said to be, when he is brought to true evangelical repentance for sin; and that is, when he has a true sense of it, as committed against God, and a godly sorrow for it, and makes an hearty and ingenuous acknowledgment of it, and forsakes it; and when he is brought to a sense of the insufficiency of his own righteousness, and is made willing to part with it, and desires to be found in Christ, and in his righteousness alone, which he is encouraged to lay hold on, and receive by faith, trust to, and rejoice in; when he has his spiritual senses exercised on Christ, and to discern between good and evil; and is brought to the feet of Jesus, as to submit to his righteousness, so to serve him; when he is all this, then, like the man in the Gospel, he is clothed, and in his right mind: he said, how many hired servants of my father's; who, according to some, were the Scribes and Pharisees, men of a servile disposition, and of mercenary views; and were, by profession, the servants of God, and had plenty of bread, because they had all the external means and ordinances: but these are designed by the elder brother in the parable; and besides, this man had endeavoured to live as they did in this far country. It may be queried, whether the ministers of the Gospel are not intended, since these are the servants of the most high God; are labourers hired by him, and are worthy of their hire, and abound with Gospel provisions for the service of others. But to this it may be objected, the desire of this man to be made as one of them, Luk 15:19 which petition expresses his humility; whereas to be a servant, in this sense, is to have the highest place and office in his father's house. Rather therefore the meanest of the saints, and household of God, are here meant, who have the least degree of evangelical light, whose faith is weak, and their consolation small; and who, though they are sons, yet by reason of that legality and mercenariness that appear in their frames and services, differ little from servants: and yet these, in comparison of him, who was in a hungry and starving condition, have bread enough, and to spare; as the doctrines, promises, and ordinances of the Gospel, the fulness of grace that is in Christ, and Christ himself the bread of life; which are more than enough for them, and sufficient for the whole family in heaven, and in earth; and even the meanest and weakest believer may be said to have enough and to spare, because he has an interest in all these; though by reason of the weakness of his faith, it is but now and then he has a full and comfortable meal; but this is infinitely better than to be starving, as this man was: and I perish with hunger. The Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions add, "here"; in this far country, in the citizen's fields, among his swine, and their husks: all mankind are in a lost and perishing condition; for having sinned against God, they have exposed themselves to the curses of the law, and are destitute of a justifying righteousness, and are in the way, to ruin and destruction; but all are not sensible of it, being ignorant of God, and his righteousness, of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and of the insufficiency of their own righteousness; but some are sensible of it, and in their own apprehensions are ready to perish: these see sin in its true light, without a view of pardon; an angry God without a smile; injured justice without a righteousness; and a broken law without a satisfaction for the violation of it; and such was this man's case. The Jewish writers (a) say, "a sinner is like to a son that runs away from his father, and turns his back upon him, who yet afterwards repents, and has a mind to return to his father's house:'' so it was now with the publicans and sinners, signified by this man. (a) R. Chayim in Lib. Chayim, par. 4. c. 6. apud Maii Jud. Theolog. loc 15. p. 243.
Luke 15:17
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
16He longed to fill his belly with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him a thing.17Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food? But here I am, starving to death!18I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Reproach of the Solemn Assembly - Part 2
By David Wilkerson5.8K25:312CH 7:14PSA 119:105ISA 42:19JER 36:23ZEP 3:17MAT 7:15LUK 15:17In this sermon, Pastor Wilkinson calls on the congregation to come forward and seek deliverance and strength from the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and keeping one's focus on Jesus and the cross, rather than pursuing material prosperity. The pastor also addresses those who may feel spiritually weak or have backslidden, urging them to rekindle their passion for God. He warns against being blind or deaf to the condition of the church and encourages everyone to take on the burden of reproach for the sake of righteousness.
Walking Away From God - Part 2
By Charles Stanley3.2K08:07LUK 15:17This sermon delves into the consequences of sin, focusing on the themes of waste, want, weariness, and the importance of true repentance. It emphasizes how sin leads to squandering resources, time, talents, and relationships, ultimately resulting in emptiness and a sense of lack. The sermon highlights the weariness and burden that sin brings, causing guilt, hiding, and emotional turmoil. It stresses the critical need for genuine repentance, not just making decisions, to experience true transformation and restoration.
Through Repentance to Faith - Part 1
By Derek Prince3.2K27:05LUK 15:17This sermon emphasizes the foundational importance of repentance before faith in the Christian journey. It delves into the doctrinal foundation outlined in Hebrews 6:1-3, highlighting the six foundational doctrines including repentance from dead works and faith toward God. The sermon stresses the significance of true repentance, distinguishing it from mere emotion and emphasizing the need for a decision of the will to turn towards God. It warns against false repentance and the consequences of despising God's grace, using the example of Esau. The message concludes with the essential nature of repentance preceding genuine faith, as seen in the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus.
Beatitudes - Part 3
By Leonard Ravenhill3.1K1:05:37BeatitudesMAT 5:1LUK 6:20LUK 15:17LUK 15:24In this sermon, the preacher discusses the incongruity of the gospel in the world. He uses the analogy of ducks hatching eggs with four legs and calves with three heads to illustrate how the church of Jesus Christ is seen as ludicrously incongruous in the modern world. He contrasts the teachings of Jesus, such as "blessed are the meek" and "blessed are the poor in spirit," with the prevailing mindset of survival of the fittest and self-assertion. The preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our unworthiness before God and the need for humility in approaching Him.
Abraham, My Friend: 07 Back on the Flight Path
By Ron Bailey1.2K12:01AbrahamGEN 12:1GEN 12:4JON 2:7JON 3:1MAT 6:33LUK 15:17ACT 17:30In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the "Gospel of the Second Chance" using the story of Jonah and Abraham from the Bible. He emphasizes that God is a God of grace and forgiveness, always ready to give a second chance to those who have made mistakes. The speaker encourages listeners who may feel like they have "blown it" to remember that the Bible is full of examples of prodigals who have turned their lives around. He concludes by reminding listeners that God can do great things with ordinary people, and encourages them to embrace their own potential for a fresh start.
Come Unto Me and I Will Give You Rest
By Peter Orasuk1.1K27:47RestISA 55:1MAT 11:28MAT 23:13LUK 15:17JHN 3:16ROM 6:23REV 20:11In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the rejection of Jesus by the people and the compelling call of the gospel. He emphasizes that the gospel itself has a compelling power that draws people towards it. The preacher also highlights the responsibility of those who have heard the gospel and the judgment they will face if they reject it. He concludes by urging the listeners to respond to the Savior's invitation and trust in Him, warning them of the consequences of continuing to reject Him.
Enlarging Our Hearts - Part 5
By Zac Poonen1.1K09:11JOB 1:8PRO 14:30MAT 5:3LUK 15:171CO 13:4PHP 2:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of being 'poor in spirit,' acknowledging our neediness before God without comparing ourselves to others. It warns against jealousy, narrow-heartedness, and the destructive nature of criticizing others. The message encourages developing a large heart, not just for personal benefit but also to glorify God, moving beyond selfish motivations to spiritual maturity.
When He Was a Great Way Off
By Roy Hession95044:43Christian LifeReconciliation with GodThe Prodigal SonLUK 15:17Roy Hession emphasizes the urgency of reconciling with God, using the parables of the king preparing for war and the prodigal son to illustrate the importance of recognizing our lost state and the need for peace with God. He highlights that while we may feel far from God, He is always ready to meet us with compassion and forgiveness, urging us to take the opportunity to seek Him before it's too late. Hession reassures that no matter how far we have strayed, the path back to God is quick and accessible through repentance and faith in Jesus. The sermon calls for self-reflection on our spiritual state and encourages both the lost and the wayward to return to the Father, who is waiting with open arms.
Thomas Hooker & the Doctrine of Conversion
By Ian Murray8031:02:33LUK 15:17JHN 5:44ROM 10:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the variety of ways in which God deals with sinners. He emphasizes that conversion and assurance of salvation do not always happen instantaneously, using the example of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. The preacher also mentions how God can speak to individuals through sermons, even when they are not seeking spiritual guidance. He concludes by highlighting that there is no set pattern for how God works in the lives of individuals, comparing it to opening a locked door in different ways.
Keys for a Successful Family Life - Part 6
By Don Courville6091:02:12DEU 30:19PSA 37:5PSA 37:23PRO 3:11LUK 15:17ACT 27:22JAS 1:2This sermon delves into the story of Naomi and her family's journey from Moab back to Bethlehem, highlighting the consequences of their choices and the correction needed for blessings. It emphasizes the importance of trusting God's providence even when it seems contrary to His promises, and the significance of repentance and returning to the path of faith. The sermon encourages listeners to rise and go in the right direction, seeking God's guidance and blessings.
The Doctrine of Repentance
By Don Courville42726:13Spiritual RenewalRepentanceLUK 15:17Don Courville emphasizes the critical nature of true repentance in his sermon 'The Doctrine of Repentance.' He reflects on his personal journey and the necessity of recognizing our own sinfulness to genuinely turn to God. Courville draws from Thomas Watson's teachings, outlining the fruits of true repentance, which include a heartfelt turning from sin, a love for God, and a commitment to forsake all sin. He warns against the complacency of professing Christians who have not truly repented, urging the church to embrace a deeper understanding of repentance as foundational to faith and spiritual growth.
The Blessedness of the Hungry and the Thirsty
By Michael Durham24754:32BlessedPSA 23:1PSA 34:8ISA 55:1MAT 5:6LUK 15:17JHN 6:35REV 7:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hungering and thirsting after righteousness. He encourages listeners to return to the Father's table and seek spiritual nourishment instead of being satisfied with worldly pleasures. The preacher quotes Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China, who reflects on his 40 years of missionary work and the valuable lesson he learned. The sermon concludes with the assurance that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled, as promised by Jesus Christ.
He Dares to Discipline!
By Miles J. Stanford1LUK 15:17JHN 15:2HEB 12:6HEB 12:101PE 5:6Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of not taking lightly the Lord's discipline, comparing it to a father's discipline for the good of his children. He explains that God's discipline is meant to lift us up and mold us into His holy character, not to bring us down. Stanford highlights that through trials and pressure in service, God purges us to bring forth more fruit, leading us to depend on Him for greater answers than we could imagine. Just like the prodigal son found more than sustenance in his father's house, God's discipline and guidance exceed our expectations, showing His love for us.
Discouraged at Our Own Hearts
By David Wilkerson0God's LoveOvercoming DiscouragementPSA 34:10ISA 41:10LUK 15:17ROM 8:372CO 12:9EPH 3:17PHP 4:19HEB 4:16HEB 12:21JN 4:18David Wilkerson addresses the issue of discouragement stemming from our own hearts, urging believers to shift their focus from weaknesses and past failures to the abundant love and provision of God in Christ. He emphasizes that God knows our shortcomings yet still loves us, encouraging us to approach the throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and peace. Wilkerson reminds us that true victory comes not from our efforts but from being rooted in the revelation of God's love, which assures us that we have everything we need. He calls on the Holy Spirit to help us grasp this truth, promising that embracing it will lead to a transformative experience in our lives.
Salvation and Separation Ryde
By John Nelson Darby0SalvationSeparation from the WorldLUK 15:17GAL 1:4John Nelson Darby emphasizes the critical connection between understanding our lost state and the concept of salvation, arguing that many fail to grasp the reality of being lost to God. He explains that true salvation involves recognizing our separation from the world and the flesh, which cannot be improved or redeemed. Darby illustrates this through the story of the prodigal son, highlighting that being lost is not merely about actions but a state of being apart from God. He asserts that the death of Christ signifies the end of the old creation and introduces a new creation in Him, where believers are called to live by faith, not by sight. Ultimately, he encourages Christians to manifest the life of Christ in their daily lives, fully embracing their identity as new creations in Him.
2 Peter 2:22
By John Gill0ApostasyNature of SinPRO 26:11MAT 7:6LUK 15:172PE 2:22John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:22, illustrating the profound truth of the proverb that likens apostates to dogs returning to their vomit and washed sows returning to mire. He emphasizes the filthy nature of sin and the irreclaimable state of those who turn away from the truth, highlighting that without a change in nature, they are doomed to revert to their former sinful ways. Gill draws parallels from Hebrew interpretations, reinforcing the idea that such individuals are trapped in their own defilement, unable to escape their sinful tendencies.
Cherries
By D.L. Moody0God's LoveHumility and RespectLUK 15:17D.L. Moody emphasizes the importance of humility and respect for parents, illustrating that true prosperity comes from a right relationship with God rather than rebellion. He contrasts the devoted love of a mother with God's everlasting and unfailing love, reminding us that we cannot achieve purity without divine assistance. Moody also highlights the necessity of faith in God's ability to use us, as exemplified by David's confidence. He concludes by expressing a desire for his legacy to be one of leading others to Christ rather than seeking earthly honors.
A Pure Gospel
By Catherine Booth0MRK 9:43LUK 15:17JHN 3:16ACT 26:15ROM 2:42CO 5:17EPH 2:8HEB 11:6JAS 2:171JN 1:9Catherine Booth preaches about the importance of a Pure Gospel, emphasizing the necessity of abandoning evil ways and turning to God as a condition for receiving forgiveness of sins and inheritance among the sanctified. She uses powerful illustrations like the Prodigal Son to highlight the need for a change of heart and mind in order to be restored to God's love and obedience. Catherine stresses the significance of surrendering our wills, renouncing idols, and embracing righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and restoration.
The Last Farthing
By George MacDonald0MAT 5:25MAT 13:14LUK 15:17ROM 6:231JN 3:7George MacDonald preaches about the profound and often misunderstood nature of parables, emphasizing that they are meant to stir the conscience and will, not just the intellect. He highlights the importance of understanding and doing the teachings of Christ rather than merely interpreting them, as theologians have often obscured the gospel. MacDonald delves into the concept of righteousness, duty, and the necessity of paying our debts to God and others, illustrating the consequences of refusing to do so. He paints a vivid picture of a soul in the final prison of self-loathing and isolation, emphasizing the hope and necessity of repentance and returning to God to become His child.
The Way of Restoration-How Is That to Be Brought About?
By Andrew Murray0Spiritual RenewalRepentanceLUK 15:17Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity of repentance not only for the unconverted but also for Christians who live in a state of spiritual complacency, likening them to the elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son. He calls for a deep conviction of sin among believers, urging them to recognize their unbelief and the dishonor it brings to God. Murray encourages Christians to confess their lack of faith in God's promises and to seek a renewed life filled with His presence and love. He stresses that true sanctification requires a second conviction for those who have strayed from the fullness of spiritual life. Ultimately, he prays for a heartfelt contrition that leads believers into the joy of God's power and love.
Moral Insanity
By Aaron Hills0GEN 6:5PRO 1:7ECC 9:3ISA 1:6MRK 5:15LUK 15:17ROM 6:231TH 5:23HEB 3:15REV 3:17Aaron Hills preaches about the wickedness and moral insanity of the human heart as described in the Bible. He emphasizes how sinners are full of evil and behave as if morally insane, neglecting eternal treasures for temporary pleasures, harming their loved ones, and treating reality as fiction while embracing lies. Hills points out that sinners disregard their spiritual possessions, attempt impossibilities, and reject counsel, ultimately leading to their impending doom. Despite this moral madness, Jesus has the power to cure completely and restore sanity through conversion and sanctification.
The Death of Self.
By Francois Fenelon0MAT 13:22LUK 15:17ROM 2:4EPH 3:8PHP 4:19REV 5:12The preacher delves into the concept of riches, emphasizing the deceitfulness of material wealth which can hinder one's reception of the Word of God. He contrasts material riches with spiritual riches, highlighting the importance of being rich in spiritual possessions even if one is poor in material possessions. The sermon explores various biblical and historical perspectives on wealth, pointing out the significance of God's kindness, glory, grace, and wisdom as true riches that believers should seek. The preacher encourages the congregation to focus on spiritual abundance and prosperity in Christ rather than being consumed by earthly possessions.
Be Sure to Tell Peter
By Richard E. Bieber0MAT 18:3MRK 16:6LUK 15:17JHN 21:15Richard E. Bieber delivers a powerful sermon about returning to God after experiencing doubts and disappointments, using the stories of a man struggling with his faith and Peter's denial of Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of honesty, listening to God's word, and obedience in maintaining a strong faith. Through the example of Peter's restoration in Galilee, he encourages believers to go back to their spiritual 'Galilee' where they first encountered Jesus, to rediscover their faith and renew their commitment to follow Him.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When he came to himself - A state of sin is represented in the sacred writings as a course of folly and madness; and repentance is represented as a restoration to sound sense. See this fully explained on Mat 3:2 (note). I perish with hunger! - Or, I perish Here. Ὡδε, here, is added by BDL, Syriac, all the Arabic and Persic, Coptic, Ethiopic, Gothic, Saxon, Vulgate, all the Itala, and several of the fathers.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
came to himself--Before, he had been "beside himself" (Ecc 9:3), in what sense will presently appear. How many hired, &c.--What a testimony to the nature of the home he had left! But did he not know all this ere he departed and every day of his voluntary exile? He did, and he did not. His heart being wholly estranged from home and steeped in selfish gratification, his father's house never came within the range of his vision, or but as another name for bondage and gloom. Now empty, desolate, withered, perishing, home, with all its peace, plenty, freedom, dignity, starts into view, fills all his visions as a warm and living reality, and breaks his heart.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when he came to himself,.... An unregenerate man, whether while a voluptuous man, or a self-righteous man, is not himself; he is beside himself; and is no other than a madman. The man that pursues his worldly lusts and pleasures, promises himself liberty, while he is a slave; he ruins himself, his soul, body, and estate, and chooses to do it rather than part with his lusts; he takes delight in doing mischief himself, and in seeing it done by others; he proclaims his folly publicly, declares his sin, and glories in it; all which a man in his right mind would never do. The self-righteous person trusts in his own heart, which is the greatest madness and folly in the world; he compasses himself about with sparks of his own kindling, and sacrifices to his own net; he dresses himself in his rags, and pleases and prides himself with them, when a robe of righteousness, and garments of salvation, are provided; which no man in his senses would ever do. But when the Spirit of God comes to work upon a sinner's heart in conversion, he brings him to himself; which a man may be said to be, when he is brought to true evangelical repentance for sin; and that is, when he has a true sense of it, as committed against God, and a godly sorrow for it, and makes an hearty and ingenuous acknowledgment of it, and forsakes it; and when he is brought to a sense of the insufficiency of his own righteousness, and is made willing to part with it, and desires to be found in Christ, and in his righteousness alone, which he is encouraged to lay hold on, and receive by faith, trust to, and rejoice in; when he has his spiritual senses exercised on Christ, and to discern between good and evil; and is brought to the feet of Jesus, as to submit to his righteousness, so to serve him; when he is all this, then, like the man in the Gospel, he is clothed, and in his right mind: he said, how many hired servants of my father's; who, according to some, were the Scribes and Pharisees, men of a servile disposition, and of mercenary views; and were, by profession, the servants of God, and had plenty of bread, because they had all the external means and ordinances: but these are designed by the elder brother in the parable; and besides, this man had endeavoured to live as they did in this far country. It may be queried, whether the ministers of the Gospel are not intended, since these are the servants of the most high God; are labourers hired by him, and are worthy of their hire, and abound with Gospel provisions for the service of others. But to this it may be objected, the desire of this man to be made as one of them, Luk 15:19 which petition expresses his humility; whereas to be a servant, in this sense, is to have the highest place and office in his father's house. Rather therefore the meanest of the saints, and household of God, are here meant, who have the least degree of evangelical light, whose faith is weak, and their consolation small; and who, though they are sons, yet by reason of that legality and mercenariness that appear in their frames and services, differ little from servants: and yet these, in comparison of him, who was in a hungry and starving condition, have bread enough, and to spare; as the doctrines, promises, and ordinances of the Gospel, the fulness of grace that is in Christ, and Christ himself the bread of life; which are more than enough for them, and sufficient for the whole family in heaven, and in earth; and even the meanest and weakest believer may be said to have enough and to spare, because he has an interest in all these; though by reason of the weakness of his faith, it is but now and then he has a full and comfortable meal; but this is infinitely better than to be starving, as this man was: and I perish with hunger. The Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions add, "here"; in this far country, in the citizen's fields, among his swine, and their husks: all mankind are in a lost and perishing condition; for having sinned against God, they have exposed themselves to the curses of the law, and are destitute of a justifying righteousness, and are in the way, to ruin and destruction; but all are not sensible of it, being ignorant of God, and his righteousness, of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and of the insufficiency of their own righteousness; but some are sensible of it, and in their own apprehensions are ready to perish: these see sin in its true light, without a view of pardon; an angry God without a smile; injured justice without a righteousness; and a broken law without a satisfaction for the violation of it; and such was this man's case. The Jewish writers (a) say, "a sinner is like to a son that runs away from his father, and turns his back upon him, who yet afterwards repents, and has a mind to return to his father's house:'' so it was now with the publicans and sinners, signified by this man. (a) R. Chayim in Lib. Chayim, par. 4. c. 6. apud Maii Jud. Theolog. loc 15. p. 243.