Attributed commentary excerpt
Wesley's Explanatory Notes on Luke 15:32
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
This thy brother was dead, and is alive - A thousand of these delicate touches in the inspired writings escape an inattentive reader. In Luk 15:30, the elder son had unkindly and indecently said, This thy son. The father in his reply mildly reproves him, and tenderly says, This thy brother - Amazing intimation, that the best of men ought to account the worst sinners their brethren still; and should especially remember this relation, when they show any inclination to return. Our Lord in this whole parable shows, not only that the Jews had no cause to murmur at the reception of the Gentiles, (a point which did not at that time so directly fall under consideration,) but that if the Pharisees were indeed as good as they fancied themselves to be, still they had no reason to murmur at the kind treatment of any sincere penitent. Thus does he condemn them, even on their own principles, and so leaves them without excuse. We have in this parable a lively emblem of the condition and behaviour of sinners in their natural state. Thus, when enriched by the bounty of the great common Father, do they ungratefully run from him, Luk 15:12. Sensual pleasures are eagerly pursued, till they have squandered away all the grace of God, Luk 15:13. And while these continue, not a serious thought of God can find a place in their minds. And even when afflictions come upon them, Luk 15:14, still they will make hard shifts before they will let the grace of God, concurring with his providence, persuade them to think of a return, Luk 15:15-16. When they see themselves naked, indigent, and undone, then they recover the exercise of their reason, Luk 15:17. Then they remember the blessings they have thrown away, and attend to the misery they have incurred. And hereupon they resolve to return to their father, and put the resolution immediately in practice, Luk 15:18-19. Behold with wonder and pleasure the gracious reception they find from Divine, injured goodness! When such a prodigal comes to his father, he sees him afar off, Luk 15:20. He pities, meets, embraces him, and interrupts his acknowledgments with the tokens of his returning favour, Luk 15:21. He arrays him with the robe of a Redeemer's righteousness, with inward and outward holiness; adorns him with all his sanctifying graces, and honours him with the tokens of adopting love, Luk 15:22. And all this he does with unutterable delight, in that he who was lost is now found, Luk 15:23-24. Let no elder brother murmur at this indulgence, but rather welcome the prodigal back into the family. And let those who have been thus received, wander no more, but emulate the strictest piety of those who for many years have served their heavenly Father, and not transgressed his commandments. Next: Luke Chapter 16
How to use this source
This excerpt is attributed to its named commentary. It is included as a historical study resource and should be evaluated in light of Scripture and other relevant evidence.
