Luke 15:12. The younger. Thus represented, because the more light-minded, the more easily led astray.

Give me the portion of thy substance, etc. The request could not have been an unheard of one. The beginning and essence of sin are here set forth: Self-seeking, turning away from God to the creature. The son's heart was alienated from his father, or the request would not have been made. Self-sufficiency develops in this way in this son, but in another way in the elder one (see below). Men call this form of it love of liberty, God calls it pride.

And he divided unto them his living. The younger son's portion would be one third, that of the elder two thirds (Deuteronomy 21:17). This compliance sets forth our free will as allowed by God. The father still administered for the elder son. The self-righteous are nominally with the father, under His direction, but not yielding a hearty obedience.

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Old Testament