Luke 15:15
And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
Luke 15:15 (KJV)
Context
Luke 15 is commonly known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son or the Lost Son. In this parable, Jesus tells of a younger son who asks for his share of the inheritance, squanders it in a far country, and ends up in a desperate situation. Luke 15:15 is part of the description of the son’s destitution.
Meaning
The phrase “he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country” reveals the depths of the son’s desperation. The Greek expression implies hiring himself out or entering into service, showing his willingness to do any work. He aligns himself with someone from a foreign land, someone who does not share his values or beliefs. This action demonstrates the son’s willingness to compromise his principles and engage in activities contrary to his upbringing.
The citizen sends him into his fields to feed swine. In Jewish culture, pigs were unclean animals according to the Mosaic law (Leviticus 11:7), and even tending them was considered scandalous. For the prodigal son, feeding swine was a degrading and humiliating task. It illustrates his lowest point and highlights the consequences of his reckless choices.
Biblical connections
The parable of the prodigal son provides valuable spiritual lessons. Luke 15:15 emphasizes the consequences of straying from God’s path and pursuing a life of rebellion. The son’s involvement with the swine symbolizes a life separated from God’s holiness and an abandonment of the values and principles taught in Scripture. The citizen represents the world’s harshness, offering no true provision or compassion, as the next verse shows no one giving him anything.
Application
This verse highlights the depths to which a person can sink when they distance themselves from God’s love and guidance. It reminds us that rebellion leads to spiritual and moral degradation. Yet, this moment of extreme need becomes the catalyst for the son’s return, illustrating that sometimes hitting rock bottom is the first step toward repentance.
Reflection
Despite the son’s dire circumstances, the parable also emphasizes the grace and mercy of the father. The son eventually comes to his senses and realizes the abundance in his father’s house. He decides to return, humbling himself and confessing his sins. The story illustrates God’s eagerness to forgive and restore those who repent and turn back to Him. Luke 15:15 portrays the depths of the prodigal son’s destitution as he joins himself to a foreign citizen and feeds swine, serving as a reminder of the need for repentance and the Father’s willingness to forgive and restore those who return to Him.
