Matthew Henry Commentary Luke 15:17-24

"But when he came to himself he said, How many hired servants of my father`s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: I am no more worthy to be called your son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: I am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring the fatted calf, [and] kill it, and let us eat, and make merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." — Luke 15:17-24 (ASV)

Having viewed the prodigal in his abject state of misery, we are next to consider his recovery from it. This begins when he comes to himself. That is a turning point in the sinner's conversion. The Lord opens his eyes and convinces him of sin; then he views himself and every object in a different light than he did before.

Thus the convinced sinner perceives that the lowliest servant of God is happier than he is. To look to God as a Father, and as our Father, will be very beneficial in our repentance and return to him. The prodigal arose and did not stop until he reached his home. Thus the repenting sinner resolutely quits the bondage of Satan and his lusts, and returns to God by prayer, despite fears and discouragements.

The Lord meets him with unexpected signs of his forgiving love. Furthermore, the reception of the humbled sinner is like that of the prodigal. He is clothed in the robe of the Redeemer's righteousness, made a partaker of the Spirit of adoption, prepared by peace of conscience and gospel grace to walk in the ways of holiness, and feasted with Divine consolations. Principles of grace and holiness are worked in him, to do, as well as to will.