“But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:”
King James Version (KJV)
Richard H Priday's comment on 2023-07-14 05:58:54:
Luke 15 involves an initial encounter with the Pharisees; who are chiding Christ for hanging out with sinners. Thus the Parables in this chapter certainly are meant for them to hear along with the crowds.
Luke 15:7 "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." Whether this refers to the self righteous Pharisees which Christ described in a similar manner in Luke 5:31 or it literally means people in a right standing with God or both could be debated.
Luke 15:12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.' And he divided unto them his estate. What is often missed here is that BOTH sons had their inheritance divided at that time; and it was likely as tradition held the older son would have the largest sum. Something else I noticed here as well that is often overlooked is that the youngest son spent all of his inheritance. Thus; forgiveness was complete but nonetheless we see the concept of loss of reward.
To avoid not seeing the big picture here; it was clear that the Pharisees had no love for seeing someone repent and finding any joy in it; whether among themselves or the Gentiles. Their concept of God no doubt affected their lifestyle and dogmas; adding hundreds more laws to the Old Testament Canon through their own thoughts and imaginations (which resulted in the Talmud and other extrabiblical uninspired and mystical texts and traditions of men). With this attitude no one sees the need to repent in order to be ABLE to obey the law; at least in regard to the thoughts and intentions of the heart whereby men had to EXCEED the righteousness of the Pharisees and scribes in order to be saved (Matthew 5:20). What was missing was understanding the nature and character of God and basically worshipping the law itself rather than it's creator. We can only truly love the law if saved.
Chris's comment on 2020-06-10 02:30:38:
Wanda, as you have no doubt read Isaiah from the first chapter, you would have read about the many things that God had accused Judah & Jerusalem about. Their idolatry, meaningless sacrifices, dependence on material wealth, sinning as Sodom did & many more: all these brought on the Anger of the Lord. And their women also became "haughty & behaved in an alluring way" & God would change all that & make them foul. And likewise, the men would suffer loss of life through battle & they together would all become desolate.
So the wearing of jewellery was synonymous to their demeanour which resembled those of the heathen, that which promoted their outward beauty rather than what was becoming of a woman of God (as Mishael well pointed out). The men of course, weren't into wearing jewellery, as it is done these days, but they would suffer under the hand of their enemies. Is then the wearing of jewellery wrong? We must each one decide this in the light of the Scriptures & what our intentions are for wearing them. Some Fellowships ban or strongly advocate against wearing of jewellery, yet some of those same women will present themselves quite differently outside the 'Christian circle'. We have to be convinced in our own hearts about this matter, maybe done for the enhancing our appearance without appearing ostentatious & taking away from a woman's inner beauty.
Mishael's comment on 2020-06-09 17:57:24:
1 Timothy 2:9-10
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but which becometh women professing godliness WITH good works.
Deuteronomy 22:5
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are an abomination unto the LORD thy God.
We're not under the Law as Christians, but I would venture that other people make assumptions about you based on appearance. The key word is Modest.
Same goes for body piercings and tattoos. There's a danger of infections; illness from dirty equipment.
WANDA D WILSON's comment on 2020-06-09 15:00:04:
Isa. 3:16-24 talks about how God took the jewelry from the women, and never again said they could put it back on...what about the men, so men can wear jewelry but women cannot?
laverne hall's comment on 2014-08-10 10:41:17:
This verse show me how merciful and how God grace is the only way to live. Letting God 's grace be the light,the glory of my life and kids and others ' who are willing to live for Jesus Christ our father. Amen
BSP's comment on 2013-10-23 18:04:10:
The father in this verse was so forgiving annd he never gave up hope on his son. He requested the best for his son even though he had squandered away all that his father worked hard for. The father could have taken a harsh attitude and said: "Well son, that's what you get!" and left it at that. Instead the father ran to his son and welcomed him with open arms. This is just an illustration showing our heaveny Father's love he has for us. We are sinners and Jehovah God freely provided the means to forgive our sins. If God could forgive us such a great amount freely, we should be willling to forgive others freely in imitation of God.