15:1 Then drew near unto 1 him a all the publicans and
sinners for to hear him.
(1) We must not give up on those who have gone out of the way,
but according to the example of Christ we must take great
pains for them.
(a) Some publicans and sinners came to Christ from all
areas.
15:112 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
(2) Men by their voluntary falling from God, having robbed
themselves of the benefits which they received from him,
cast themselves headlong into infinite calamities: but God
of his singular goodness, offering himself freely to those
whom he called to repentance, through the greatness of
their misery with which they were humbled, not only gently
receives them, but also enriches them with far greater
gifts and blesses them with the greatest bliss.
15:173 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired
servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare,
and I perish with hunger!
(3) The beginning of repentance is the acknowledging of the
mercy of God, which encourages us to hope expectantly.
15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him,
Father, I have sinned against b heaven, and before thee,
(b) Against God, because he is said to dwell in heaven.
15:214 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned
against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to
be called thy son.
(4) In true repentance there is a consciousness of our sins,
joined with sorrow and shame, and from this springs a
confession, after which follows forgiveness.
15:255 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and
drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
(5) Those who truly fear God desire to have all men join them
in fearing him.
