heard his words as he commanded the servants to
"bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on
his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring the fatted calf, and kill it,
and let us eat, and make merry." It is a picture not only of pardon but of
complete restoration. It assures the sinner that as he turns to God he
will be received into the closest fellowship of a son and heir and that
his return will give joy to the heart of God who will regard him as one
that "was dead, and is alive again," as one who "was lost, and is found."

The picture of the elder son is exquisitely sketched. It was
unquestionably intended to describe the loveless Pharisees who envied the
joy of the repentant publicans and sinners. It furthermore brings a
message to all persons in every age to whom religion is merely a matter of
unwilling obedience and of loveless faithfulness to the laws of God. It
depicts souls out of fellowship with God, feeling no real joy in his
service and sharing none of his gladness in the salvation of lost souls.

The elder brother knew nothing of the experience of a true son. He was
merely a slave. When the prodigal returned he was not watching with his
father, he was "in the field;" when he learned that his brother had been
welcomed to the home he was filled with anger. He refused to enter the
house and when his father came out to entreat him, he accused him of
partiality and unkindness. His words described admirably the
self-righteousness of the Pharisees, "I never transgressed a commandment
of thine;" they also show how little he appreciated his true privileges,
"thou never gavest me a kid." The reply of his father intimates the
possibilities which he never had appreciated and the privileges which he
never had enjoyed, "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that is mine is
thine." It had always been possible for the Pharisees to enjoy the grace
and mercy and love of God; but to them religion had been a mere burdensome
round of rites and duties. It had given no satisfaction, no gladness, to
their hearts. Something of their experience is paralleled even by
Christians of the present day. Failing to appreciate the gracious pardon
of God and his willingness to supply every spiritual need, forgetting the
possibility of living in daily communion and fellowship with him, knowing
nothing of his joys in the salvation and repentance of lost souls, they
are seeking in their own strength, wearily and joylessly