When the father welcomes the prodigal back, he instructs his slaves to bring a robe, a ring, and sandals to adorn his son, and to slaughter a fatted calf for a celebrated (Luke 15:22-23).
This in response to the son’s confession, “I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (v. 21). As Jesus has just said, “everyone who humbles himself shall be exalted” (14:11).
This is not merely a family celebration. The fatted calf suggests a sacrifice, and the prodigal’s dress-up would look to an ancient audience like the dress-up of a god’s statue for a feast. The prodigal was dead and has risen. He is greeted with festivities as the dying and rising god.
Not everyone wants to honor him. His older brother stands aloof outside the feast. He is among those who is not persuaded even by someone who rises from the dead (Luke 16:31), even if the dying and rising god appears in his own family.
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