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I. THE PRODIGAL'S CONFESSION.

1. This confession was the result of repentance.

2. This confession of the prodigal showed that his repentance was real. "Father, I have sinned." There was nothing fictitious about that confession. It was the welling up of a bursting heart, too full of sadness, too conscious of error, too desirous of forgiveness to think of an excuse, or to say anything but the simple truth — "I have sinned." It is a beautiful confession, when, coming from the lips of a truly earnest man, it is whispered into the ear of God.

3. This confession of the prodigal showed that his repentance was evangelical. "I have sinned against heaven and in thy sight." The earthly aspect of the sin he saw in all its vileness; but when he turned his eyes towards heaven, he felt that God had been more bitterly sinned against.

4. This confession of the prodigal was humble — "And am no more worthy to be called thy son." He did not say that he was humble; true humility never does this; but he showed it.

II. THE PRODIGAL'S RESTORATION.

1. The prodigal was restored to honour. "The best robe."

2. He is restored to dignity. Ring on finger.

3. He is restored to comfort and strength. Shoes on feet.

4. He is restored to abundant provision. Fatted calf.

(W. G. Pascoe.)

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KJV: And he said, A certain man had two sons:

WEB: He said, "A certain man had two sons.