25 "Now his older son was in the field , and when he came and approached the house , he heard music and dancing . 26 "And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what e these things could be. 27 "And he said to him, 'Your brother has come , and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound .' 28 "But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. 29 "But he answered and said to his father , 'Look ! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours ; and yet you have never given me a young goat , so that I might celebrate with my friends ; 30 but when this son of yours came , who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes , you killed the fattened calf for him.' 31 "And he said to him, 'Son , you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours . 32 'But we had to celebrate and rejoice , for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live , and was lost and has been found .' "
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 15:25-32
Commentary on Luke 15:25-32
(Read Luke 15:25-32)
In the latter part of this parable we have the character of the Pharisees, though not of them alone. It sets forth the kindness of the Lord, and the proud manner in which his gracious kindness is often received. The Jews, in general, showed the same spirit towards the converted Gentiles; and numbers in every age object to the gospel and its preachers, on the same ground. What must that temper be, which stirs up a man to despise and abhor those for whom the Saviour shed his precious blood, who are objects of the Father's choice, and temples of the Holy Ghost! This springs from pride, self-preference, and ignorance of a man's own heart. The mercy and grace of our God in Christ, shine almost as bright in his tender and gentle bearing with peevish saints, as his receiving prodigal sinners upon their repentance. It is the unspeakable happiness of all the children of God, who keep close to their Father's house, that they are, and shall be ever with him. Happy will it be for those who thankfully accept Christ's invitation.