The lost sheep
Luke 15:1–7FocusJoy over repentance
Connection to the wholeJesus answers criticism of His receiving sinners by showing the shepherd's search and heaven's joy over repentance.
interpretation Luke 15:17
KJVAnd 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!
Read it in context
The two sons
Start reading at Luke 15:11 (Luke 15:11 to Luke 15:32).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The younger son's return and the elder son's complaint bring the critics' attitude into the story alongside the father's welcome and appeal.
- 15:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
- 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 living.
- 15:13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
- 15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
- 15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
- 15:16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
- 15:17 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!
- 15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
- 15:19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
- 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
- 15:21 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.
- 15:22 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:
- 15:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
- 15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
- 15:25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
- 15:26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
- 15:27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
- 15:28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
- 15:29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
- 15:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
- 15:31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
- 15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 15:1–15:32): Publicans and sinners draw near to hear Jesus while Pharisees and scribes complain about His welcome. Jesus responds with the three parables. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The two sons. Read Luke 15:11 through Luke 15:32 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The younger son's return and the elder son's complaint bring the critics' attitude into the story alongside the father's welcome and appeal. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The two sons (Luke 15:11 to Luke 15:32). Start reading at Luke 15:11. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 15:11, Luke 15:32, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- when Luke 8:35 Luke 16:23 Ps 73:20 Eccl 9:3 Jer 31:19 Ezek 18:28 Acts 2:37 Acts 16:29
- How Luke 15:18-19 Lam 1:7
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 15
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The lost coin
Luke 15:8–10FocusSeeking what is lost
Connection to the wholeThe woman's careful search reinforces the value of restoration and the joy that follows it.
interpretation FocusReturn, mercy, and resentment
Connection to the wholeThe younger son's return and the elder son's complaint bring the critics' attitude into the story alongside the father's welcome and appeal.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation Passion, resurrection, and commission
Luke 22:1–24:53FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.