Luke 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:

Luke 15:22 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of the parable of the prodigal son, which begins in Luke 15:11. The younger son had demanded his inheritance, wasted it in reckless living, and returned home in rags, hoping only to be hired as a servant. In Luke 15:22, the father responds to his son’s return with a dramatic act of grace. The father represents God’s love and mercy toward repentant sinners.

Meaning

The opening word “But” marks a sharp contrast between the son’s self-assessment and the father’s grace. The son had prepared a speech asking to be made a hired servant, but the father interrupts him and commands his servants to act. The father’s command is urgent, with many translations rendering it as “Quickly” or “Hurry.” His actions are rich in symbolic meaning.

The father instructs his servants to bring forth the best robe and put it on the returning son. This robe, likely the father’s own finest outer garment reserved for special occasions, signifies honour, dignity, and full restoration to sonship. It emphasises the father’s acceptance and forgiveness, as well as the son’s reconciliation with his father. In a spiritual sense, it represents the righteousness and purity imputed to believers through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The father also commands that a ring be placed on the son’s hand. In biblical times, a ring often served as a signet ring, symbolising authority and identification. By giving his son a ring, the father not only acknowledges his son’s position as a beloved member of the family but also grants him authority and privileges. Spiritually, the ring can be seen as a symbol of the restored son’s identity and inheritance as a child of God.

The father further instructs the servants to put shoes on the son’s feet. In that cultural context, shoes were a sign of a free person. Slaves and servants typically went barefoot, while the owner of the house wore shoes. By giving his son shoes, the father expresses his desire to restore his son’s status and dignity, treating him as a free person and not a servant. Spiritually, the shoes represent the readiness to walk the path of righteousness and proclaim the Gospel of peace, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:15.

Application

Overall, Luke 15:22 demonstrates the unconditional love, mercy, and grace of God towards repentant sinners. The father’s actions signify the restoration, acceptance, and honour bestowed upon the prodigal son as a result of his repentance and return to the father’s house. This parable emphasises God’s desire to reconcile with those who have strayed and His eagerness to welcome them back into His loving embrace.