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Luke 15:24
Verse
Context
Sermons
Leonard RavenhillLeonard Ravenhill
Willie Mullan
James R. Cochrane
G.W. North
Shane IdlemanSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Was dead - Lost to all good - given up to all evil. In this figurative sense the word is used by the best Greek writers. See many examples in Kypke.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
my son--now twice his son. dead . . . lost--to me; to himself--to my service, my satisfaction; to his own dignity, peace, profit. alive again . . . found--to all these. merry--(See on Luk 15:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For this my son was dead,.... These words contain the reasons of the above entertainment, and of all that spiritual joy and mirth; in which the father acknowledges the returning penitent as his son; though he had behaved so wickedly before, and though he judged himself unworthy of the relation; and this he did, by sending the Spirit of adoption into his heart, to witness his sonship to him; and takes notice of his past state and condition, to show the great reason there was for joy, at his present one: for before be was "dead", dead in Adam, in whom all died; dead in law, being under a sentence of condemnation and death; and dead in trespasses and sins, which is a spiritual or moral death: in which all mankind by nature are: and which lies in a separation from God, Father, Son, and Spirit; in an alienation from the life of God; in a deformation of the image of God; in a loss of original righteousness; in the darkness of the understanding; in the inordinateness of the affections; in the pollution of the mind and conscience; in the stubbornness of the will; and in an impotency to that which is spiritually good; and in a privation of spiritual sense and motion: this had been the case, but now it was otherwise: and is alive again: the Spirit of life from Christ had entered into him, and Christ was formed in his heart; and a principle of life was infused into him; a divine image was enstamped upon his soul; the understanding was enlightened in divine things; the affections were set upon them; the will was subjected to God, to his will and law, and to Christ and his righteousness, and the way of salvation by him, and to his commands and ordinances; and principles of grace and holiness were wrought in him, to do as well as to will; a spiritual sense of things were given him; a spiritual sight, hearing, tasting, and feeling, and savouring; he lived a life of holiness from Christ, of faith upon him, and of communion with him, and to his glory: and he came to be so, not of himself, nor by any creature; for no man can quicken himself, nor can any creature do it for him; it was entirely owing to the power and grace of God: and great reason here was for joy and mirth, as there is for every one that is quickened by the Spirit of God; for such shall never enter into condemnation, nor die again, but shall live and reign with Christ for ever: he was lost; lost in Adam, and in himself; so he was when in the far country, and when among the swine and husks; so as that he knew not where he was, nor what a condition he was in; nor did he know how to get out of it, nor could he help himself; nor could any other creature; though not irretrievably and irrecoverably lost; not to the love of God, his knowledge of him, care and provision for him in Christ, in his counsel and covenant: hence the following mercy, and is found; not only by Christ, in redemption, but by the Spirit of Christ in the effectual calling; when he was brought and came to himself, and saw his lost state and condition by nature; and when he was directed and brought home to his Father's house, and entertained with all the provisions of it; and such have reason to rejoice and be glad, for they shall be found in Christ at death and at judgment, and shall be with him to all eternity: and they began to be merry: all parties. The Father expressed his joy, and the gladness of his heart, upon the return of his son to him; he exhorted to be merry on this account, Luk 15:23 and enforces it with reasons in this verse, taken from the relation he stood in to him, and the wonderful change that had passed upon him, and the finding of him; and he rejoices himself at his conversion, in the exercise of that grace which he himself implanted, and in the performance of duty by his assistance: not that any new joy arises in God's heart at such a time; for he always rejoiced in the persons of his elect, as they were the objects of his love, as chosen in Christ, and given to him, and as interested in the covenant of grace; and he rejoiced in the accomplishment of their salvation, by his Son: but in conversion, there are new expressions of joy; he rejoices over them to do them good, and rejoices in the good he does them; and this is the open beginning of his joy, and but the beginning of it; for it will continue, it is not all over, not all expressed, but will be in the fullest manner hereafter, to all eternity: the returned son began to be merry, as he had good reason for it; as that he was come back from the far country, where a mighty famine had been: and from the citizen of that country, his fields, and swine; that he was come to his father, and his father's house, where was bread enough and to spare; an house well furnished with all suitable provisions; a family made up of saints, where ministers of the Gospel are stewards, and angels guards, and where Christ is Son, priest, and master; and that he was received here, and owned as a son; not only was one secretly, but was owned as such openly; and was not only called so by the servants, but by the father himself; and that after he had behaved so vilely, and in his own conscience knew he was unworthy of the relation; and that he was received immediately, as soon as ever he came, and that in the most tender manner; and was entertained in the most free, generous, and sumptuous way; though he went away from his father of himself, and had spent his substance in a scandalous manner; and was in a most filthy, ragged, and piteous condition; and that he should be clothed with the best robe, the robe of Christ's righteousness; and so had nothing to fear from law and justice; nor was he in any danger of wrath to come because of his sins; nor had he any reason to doubt of his right and admission to the heavenly glory; and that he had the ring of love on the hand of faith, and could believe his interest in it, which is better than life, and will continue for ever; and that his feet were shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; that he understood the Gospel, and was brought to a submission to Gospel ordinances, and had his conversation agreeably to it; and that the fatted calf was killed, and set before him to eat of, and feed upon: and now he began to live and fare sumptuously, and to have spiritual joy and pleasure, which he never knew before; and this was but the beginning of joy to him: spiritual joy is not all over at once, it continues and increases; nor is it full and perfect in this life, but in heaven it will be complete, and without interruption; the servants also, the ministers of the Gospel, began to be merry on this occasion; who express their joy at the conversion of sinners, because of the glory of Father, Son, and Spirit, concerned in it; because of the grace bestowed then on sinners themselves; and because the interest of Christ is strengthened, and his churches increased, and Satan's kingdom weakened; and because their own ministry is blessed; and which strengthens their hands and hearts, and encourages them to go on in their work: and this is but the beginning of their joy; for they continue to rejoice at the growth of grace in believers, and when they are in a thriving and flourishing condition; when they walk becoming the Gospel of Christ, and live in peace among themselves; and persevere in faith and holiness to the end; and these will be their joy and crown of rejoicing, at the coming of Christ Jesus.
Luke 15:24
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate.24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
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.
The Anatomy of Prayer
By Leonard Ravenhill2.6K1:25:34PrayerPSA 40:2MAT 16:24LUK 15:24ACT 1:8ROM 8:22JAS 5:16REV 2:10In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the predictions he made about the consequences of communism in Russia. He acknowledges that his warnings of devastation, violence, and destruction have come true, as he shares personal experiences of his daughter being harmed and his church being burned. The preacher emphasizes the importance of interpreting the Bible accurately and not avoiding uncomfortable truths. He calls for a divine intervention of mercy, power, and revival, stating that only through travailing and fervent prayer can the church overcome the challenges of the present day.
(Happenings Ahead) Dangers of the Last Days
By Willie Mullan1.8K1:10:02Last DaysLUK 15:24LUK 17:282TH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting Jesus and warns that there will be a change in the future. He describes how God saw the wickedness of man and the evil thoughts that consumed their minds. The preacher urges the audience to pray for their sons and highlights the dangers of living in a sinful world. He references the story of the five wise and five foolish virgins from Matthew 25, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and having a genuine relationship with the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes with the reminder that preaching should be like a picture, with the Word of God at its core.
Studies in Jonah 01 a Worshipping Prophet
By James R. Cochrane69939:402SA 9:8ISA 43:1JON 2:2MRK 14:34LUK 15:241TI 5:5HEB 5:7In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah and highlights the concept of being alive yet spiritually dead. He explains that the Hebrews used the words "life" and "death" with broader meanings than we do, emphasizing that one can be physically alive but spiritually dead. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the danger we face in order to fully appreciate the salvation offered by God. He also emphasizes that when we reject the word of God, there is no alternative but to follow our own will. The sermon references specific verses from the book of Jonah to support these points.
Gospel Meetings s.h.c.- 01 for Me to Live Is Christ
By Stan Ford45642:43PSA 32:1MAT 4:17LUK 15:24ACT 20:212CO 7:10PHP 1:2HEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of the rich farmer from Luke 12. The preacher highlights how the pursuit of material possessions and worldly happiness can lead to emptiness and foolishness. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus as the true path to happiness and forgiveness. The preacher encourages the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with God and to find true joy in Christ rather than in worldly things or theories of men.
In Love With Jesus
By G.W. North15623:21JesusISA 43:4JER 31:3MAT 22:37LUK 15:24ROM 12:1EPH 5:11JN 4:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the prodigal son as a representation of repentance. He highlights the threefold nature of the parable, with each part representing a different person of the Trinity. The first two parts emphasize the sovereign grace of God, as the shepherd finds the lost sheep and the woman finds the lost coin without any effort from them. The last part focuses on the human element of repentance, as the prodigal son realizes his mistakes, repents, and returns to his father. The preacher emphasizes the simplicity of the message of repentance and the joy it brings to heaven.
What the Enemy Intended for Evil
By Shane Idleman1951:30RepentanceGod's SovereigntyGEN 50:202CH 7:14PSA 51:10ISA 61:3MAT 5:4LUK 15:24ROM 8:282CO 5:17JAS 4:101JN 1:9Shane Idleman delivers a powerful sermon titled 'What the Enemy Intended for Evil,' focusing on the story of Joseph and the themes of humility, repentance, and God's redemptive power. He emphasizes how Joseph's time in prison prepared him for his role in saving many lives during a famine, illustrating that our struggles can serve a greater purpose beyond ourselves. Idleman highlights the importance of genuine repentance over mere sorrow, encouraging listeners to seek restoration in their relationships and lives. He also discusses the spiritual battle against pride and the need for the church to awaken and unite in humility before God. Ultimately, he reassures that what the enemy intends for evil, God can turn into good, urging believers to trust in God's sovereignty and timing.
And David Went to Rabboh, and Fought
By F.B. Meyer0Grace and ForgivenessRestoration2SA 12:29PSA 51:10ISA 1:18LUK 15:24JHN 21:15ROM 5:202CO 5:17GAL 6:1JAS 5:161JN 1:9F.B. Meyer emphasizes that despite David's significant fall, God's grace allows for restoration and renewed opportunities for victory. He illustrates that true contrition and faith lead to forgiveness and reinstatement, as seen in David's return to conquest after his sin. Meyer encourages believers, especially backsliders, to trust in God's perfect love and the possibility of regaining their former spiritual victories. He highlights that confession leads to immediate forgiveness and cleansing, reinforcing the message that grace abounds where sin exists. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a bold faith in God's restorative power.
Our Daily Homily - Philemon
By F.B. Meyer0GraceRedemptionLUK 15:24JHN 15:15ROM 5:202CO 5:17EPH 2:8COL 3:13PHM 1:12HEB 4:161PE 2:91JN 1:9F.B. Meyer reflects on the letter to Philemon, emphasizing how our everyday interactions can embody the spirit of Christ. He draws parallels between Onesimus and our relationship with Jesus, highlighting that just as Onesimus became dear to Paul, we too are cherished by Christ. Onesimus, once unprofitable, represents our own journey of sin and redemption, illustrating that through grace, we transition from being servants to beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Meyer encourages us to recognize the depth of our relationship with the Lord, who forgives our wrongs and elevates us to a place of privilege and blessing.
Found in the Sand
By D.L. Moody0Parental GuidanceSpiritual InfluencePSA 127:3PRO 22:6ISA 54:13MAT 18:14LUK 15:24JHN 14:27EPH 6:42TI 3:15JAS 1:51PE 5:7D.L. Moody shares a poignant story of a mother whose ambition for her son led him away from his faith and ultimately to tragedy. Despite her efforts to steer him towards success and high society, her son fell into a life of disobedience and despair, culminating in his untimely death. The mother’s heartache reflects the consequences of neglecting spiritual guidance in favor of worldly pursuits. Moody emphasizes the importance of nurturing faith in our children and the need to support them in their spiritual journey. He urges parents to bring their children to Christ, as true peace comes from a relationship with God.
Epistle 266
By George Fox0PRO 4:18ISA 25:6JER 15:19EZK 34:16MAT 20:9LUK 15:24JHN 12:36ROM 6:23EPH 5:132PE 2:1George Fox preaches about the importance of believers in the heavenly light seeking out the lost and driven away, distinguishing themselves from false prophets and teachers by putting a difference between the precious and the vile. He emphasizes the joy in finding the lost, drawing parallels to the parable of the prodigal son and the heavenly rewards awaiting those who return to the Father's house. Fox urges believers to diligently seek out those who have strayed, guided by the light to bring them back to the path of righteousness and away from the devil's influence.
Final Chapter
By K.P. Yohannan0RestorationHope in ChristPSA 30:5ISA 64:8JER 29:11LUK 15:24JHN 3:16ROM 8:282CO 5:17EPH 2:8PHP 1:61PE 5:10K.P. Yohannan shares the transformative story of Roy, who, after contemplating suicide following a friend's death, found hope and restoration through a Christian radio broadcast. His life, once lost in sin, became a beacon of light as he married and dedicated himself to serving the poor in North India. Yohannan draws parallels to Peter, who, in his moment of despair, could not foresee the incredible restoration and purpose God had for him. The message emphasizes that no matter how bleak our circumstances may seem, God sees the potential for a beautiful ending to our stories. The sermon encourages listeners to believe in God's ability to redeem and reshape their lives.
Dead or Alive?
By Tom Macartney0LUK 15:24JHN 3:3JHN 5:24JHN 6:63JHN 10:27JHN 11:43JHN 18:37ROM 6:1ROM 10:17EPH 2:1COL 3:11PE 1:231JN 1:7Tom Macartney preaches on the importance of experiencing spiritual resurrection and new birth as the foundation of the Christian life. He emphasizes that true Christians have been raised from the dead and given new life by God, contrasting this with the spiritual deadness and helplessness of those who have not been born of God. Macartney highlights the necessity of God's intervention through the blood of Jesus Christ for forgiveness and the miracle of resurrection and new birth, stressing the vital role of hearing God's word and responding with saving faith. He warns against the misconception that being a Christian is merely about following Christ for personal gain, emphasizing the need for a genuine transformation and a life lived according to God's will.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Was dead - Lost to all good - given up to all evil. In this figurative sense the word is used by the best Greek writers. See many examples in Kypke.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
my son--now twice his son. dead . . . lost--to me; to himself--to my service, my satisfaction; to his own dignity, peace, profit. alive again . . . found--to all these. merry--(See on Luk 15:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For this my son was dead,.... These words contain the reasons of the above entertainment, and of all that spiritual joy and mirth; in which the father acknowledges the returning penitent as his son; though he had behaved so wickedly before, and though he judged himself unworthy of the relation; and this he did, by sending the Spirit of adoption into his heart, to witness his sonship to him; and takes notice of his past state and condition, to show the great reason there was for joy, at his present one: for before be was "dead", dead in Adam, in whom all died; dead in law, being under a sentence of condemnation and death; and dead in trespasses and sins, which is a spiritual or moral death: in which all mankind by nature are: and which lies in a separation from God, Father, Son, and Spirit; in an alienation from the life of God; in a deformation of the image of God; in a loss of original righteousness; in the darkness of the understanding; in the inordinateness of the affections; in the pollution of the mind and conscience; in the stubbornness of the will; and in an impotency to that which is spiritually good; and in a privation of spiritual sense and motion: this had been the case, but now it was otherwise: and is alive again: the Spirit of life from Christ had entered into him, and Christ was formed in his heart; and a principle of life was infused into him; a divine image was enstamped upon his soul; the understanding was enlightened in divine things; the affections were set upon them; the will was subjected to God, to his will and law, and to Christ and his righteousness, and the way of salvation by him, and to his commands and ordinances; and principles of grace and holiness were wrought in him, to do as well as to will; a spiritual sense of things were given him; a spiritual sight, hearing, tasting, and feeling, and savouring; he lived a life of holiness from Christ, of faith upon him, and of communion with him, and to his glory: and he came to be so, not of himself, nor by any creature; for no man can quicken himself, nor can any creature do it for him; it was entirely owing to the power and grace of God: and great reason here was for joy and mirth, as there is for every one that is quickened by the Spirit of God; for such shall never enter into condemnation, nor die again, but shall live and reign with Christ for ever: he was lost; lost in Adam, and in himself; so he was when in the far country, and when among the swine and husks; so as that he knew not where he was, nor what a condition he was in; nor did he know how to get out of it, nor could he help himself; nor could any other creature; though not irretrievably and irrecoverably lost; not to the love of God, his knowledge of him, care and provision for him in Christ, in his counsel and covenant: hence the following mercy, and is found; not only by Christ, in redemption, but by the Spirit of Christ in the effectual calling; when he was brought and came to himself, and saw his lost state and condition by nature; and when he was directed and brought home to his Father's house, and entertained with all the provisions of it; and such have reason to rejoice and be glad, for they shall be found in Christ at death and at judgment, and shall be with him to all eternity: and they began to be merry: all parties. The Father expressed his joy, and the gladness of his heart, upon the return of his son to him; he exhorted to be merry on this account, Luk 15:23 and enforces it with reasons in this verse, taken from the relation he stood in to him, and the wonderful change that had passed upon him, and the finding of him; and he rejoices himself at his conversion, in the exercise of that grace which he himself implanted, and in the performance of duty by his assistance: not that any new joy arises in God's heart at such a time; for he always rejoiced in the persons of his elect, as they were the objects of his love, as chosen in Christ, and given to him, and as interested in the covenant of grace; and he rejoiced in the accomplishment of their salvation, by his Son: but in conversion, there are new expressions of joy; he rejoices over them to do them good, and rejoices in the good he does them; and this is the open beginning of his joy, and but the beginning of it; for it will continue, it is not all over, not all expressed, but will be in the fullest manner hereafter, to all eternity: the returned son began to be merry, as he had good reason for it; as that he was come back from the far country, where a mighty famine had been: and from the citizen of that country, his fields, and swine; that he was come to his father, and his father's house, where was bread enough and to spare; an house well furnished with all suitable provisions; a family made up of saints, where ministers of the Gospel are stewards, and angels guards, and where Christ is Son, priest, and master; and that he was received here, and owned as a son; not only was one secretly, but was owned as such openly; and was not only called so by the servants, but by the father himself; and that after he had behaved so vilely, and in his own conscience knew he was unworthy of the relation; and that he was received immediately, as soon as ever he came, and that in the most tender manner; and was entertained in the most free, generous, and sumptuous way; though he went away from his father of himself, and had spent his substance in a scandalous manner; and was in a most filthy, ragged, and piteous condition; and that he should be clothed with the best robe, the robe of Christ's righteousness; and so had nothing to fear from law and justice; nor was he in any danger of wrath to come because of his sins; nor had he any reason to doubt of his right and admission to the heavenly glory; and that he had the ring of love on the hand of faith, and could believe his interest in it, which is better than life, and will continue for ever; and that his feet were shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; that he understood the Gospel, and was brought to a submission to Gospel ordinances, and had his conversation agreeably to it; and that the fatted calf was killed, and set before him to eat of, and feed upon: and now he began to live and fare sumptuously, and to have spiritual joy and pleasure, which he never knew before; and this was but the beginning of joy to him: spiritual joy is not all over at once, it continues and increases; nor is it full and perfect in this life, but in heaven it will be complete, and without interruption; the servants also, the ministers of the Gospel, began to be merry on this occasion; who express their joy at the conversion of sinners, because of the glory of Father, Son, and Spirit, concerned in it; because of the grace bestowed then on sinners themselves; and because the interest of Christ is strengthened, and his churches increased, and Satan's kingdom weakened; and because their own ministry is blessed; and which strengthens their hands and hearts, and encourages them to go on in their work: and this is but the beginning of their joy; for they continue to rejoice at the growth of grace in believers, and when they are in a thriving and flourishing condition; when they walk becoming the Gospel of Christ, and live in peace among themselves; and persevere in faith and holiness to the end; and these will be their joy and crown of rejoicing, at the coming of Christ Jesus.