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Now his elder son was in the field. As he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
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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12
18th Century
Presbyterian
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…
As he came and drew nigh (ως ερχομενος ηγγισεν). More exactly, "As, coming, he drew nigh," for ερχομενος is present middle partici…
19th Century
Anglican
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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Baptist
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…
16th Century
Protestant
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…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
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…
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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…
