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Verse Takeaways
1
The Dutiful but Distant Son
Commentators unanimously identify the elder son with the self-righteous Pharisees who criticized Jesus. He was dutifully working "in the field," representing a life of religious observance. However, this focus on duty left him disconnected from the father's heart and unable to share in the joy of grace. As scholars note, he represents those who prioritize their own performance over joyful fellowship with God.
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Luke
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Commentaries
12
Albert Barnes
On Luke 15:25
18th Century
Theologian
In the field. At work. This eldest son is designed to represent the Pharisees who had found fault with the Savior. Their conduct is likene…
AT Robertson
On Luke 15:25
As he came and drew nigh (ως ερχομενος ηγγισεν). More exactly, "As, coming, he drew nigh," for ερχομενος is present middle partici…
Charles Ellicott
On Luke 15:25
19th Century
Bishop
He heard musick and dancing.—This brings in a new feature. The father, like the chief actors in the other parables, had called together hi…
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Charles Spurgeon
On Luke 15:25–27
19th Century
Preacher
And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. An…
John Calvin
On Luke 15:25
16th Century
Theologian
This latter portion of the parable charges those people with cruelty who would wickedly choose to set limits to the grace of God, as if they envied…
John Gill
On Luke 15:25
17th Century
Pastor
Now his elder son was in the field By "the elder son" is meant, not angels, as has been observed on ([Reference Luke 15:1…
Matthew Henry
On Luke 15:25–32
17th Century
Minister
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 t…