What is the meaning of Luke 15:22? Quick! “Quick!” shows the father’s eagerness to restore his lost son. • The initiative is immediate—mirroring how God “runs” to forgive (Luke 15:20; Psalm 86:5). • No probation period: salvation is a present reality (John 5:24). • The servants obey at once, picturing angelic joy when a sinner repents (Luke 15:7, 10). Bring the best robe and put it on him “Bring the best robe” highlights full acceptance. • The robe replaces rags, just as Christ’s righteousness covers our sin (Isaiah 61:10; Zechariah 3:3-4). • “Best” points to God’s lavish grace, not second-rate mercy (Ephesians 1:7-8). • Robing happens before the son can clean himself—grace precedes works (Titus 3:5). Put a ring on his finger “Put a ring on his finger” restores authority and family status. • Rings sealed documents in Scripture (Genesis 41:42; Esther 3:10); here it seals sonship. • It echoes the Spirit’s witness that we are God’s children (Romans 8:15-17). • The father entrusts responsibility again, showing confidence in the transformed heart (1 Timothy 1:12-14). Sandals on his feet “sandals on his feet” distinguishes a son from a servant—slaves went barefoot. • Shoes mean freedom, not bondage (Galatians 5:1). • Prepared feet recall the “gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15), now carried by a once-lost son. • The father meets every need—robe for covering, ring for belonging, sandals for the journey (Philippians 4:19). summary Luke 15:22 portrays the instant, complete restoration God grants repentant sinners. Urgency, honor, authority, and freedom replace guilt and shame, illustrating the gospel’s transforming power and the Father’s rejoicing heart. |
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