Definition: And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Luke 15:2. It’s a really important part of understanding Jesus’ teachings about love and hospitality. Here's the simple explanation: Basically, it means: “The Pharisees and scribes were worried that Jesus was being kind to people who are actually hurting or in trouble.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “Receiveth sinners” : This is key. "Sinners" refers to people who have messed up, disobeyed God, or are in need of forgiveness. It's not about someone being bad , but someone who needs help and understanding. “Eateth with them” : This suggests Jesus was inviting these sinners to join a meal – likely a social gathering. The Worry: The Pharisees and scribes were upset because they believed Jesus was allowing people to be around those who are in need. They thought it wasn't right for Jesus to include people who are struggling. It was like saying, “Let’s have a party with the poor!” What Jesus Was Trying to Say: Jesus was teaching us about loving and helping others , even when they don’t deserve it. He wasn’t trying to be generous; he was showing us that God loves everyone, regardless of their circumstances. In short, this verse highlights a crucial point in the Gospel: Jesus' focus is on compassion and forgiveness. It suggests that true love isn’t about being comfortable with those who are struggling, but about offering them support and understanding. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Luke 15? Give you some context around the time this verse was written? Relate it to a specific story or teaching in the Bible?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 15:20 together. It’s a really beautiful and important passage about God’s love and forgiveness! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it tells us that God is incredibly loving and wants to be with his people. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “And he arose, and came to his father.” – This means Jesus was moving away from his Father's house. He wasn't just quietly leaving; he was actively going towards him. It symbolizes a desire for relationship and closeness with God. “But when he was yet a great way off…” – This is the key part! Jesus was so far away that he hadn’t even reached his father yet. It’s like being on a long, winding road. “…his father saw him, and had compassion…” – His father noticed Jesus! He recognized Jesus’s goodness and desire to be with him. This shows that God is watching over us and noticing our needs. “Compassion” means deep feeling of sympathy and concern for someone who is suffering. “and ran, and fell on his neck…” – This is a dramatic image! He ran towards his father, practically sprinting. It represents a desperate desire to be with him. “…and kissed him.” – Finally, he reached his father and gave him a huge, loving kiss! This is the most important part. It’s a symbol of complete surrender and acceptance – a complete outpouring of love and affection. So, what's the big takeaway? This story shows that God loves us so much that He wants to be with us, even when we’re far away. It's about His willingness to forgive our mistakes and offer us unconditional love, no matter how far we are from Him. It emphasizes that God doesn't just want to be with us; He actively desires to be near us! Think of it like this: Imagine you’re feeling sad – you might not be in a good place right now. But your father is always there for you, ready to comfort and support you. Jesus’s story reminds us that God is like that father, always offering love and acceptance, even when we're struggling. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Relate it to something specific in your life?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 15:21. It’s a really important and poignant moment in Jesus' story about the parable of the Prodigal Son. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The parable tells the story of a young man who squanders his family’s wealth and eventually leads a life of sin and misery. Jesus comes along and shows this man how he should have behaved – to love and respect his father. What Luke 15:21 Says: “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.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the son…” : This refers to Jesus’s own father. He's talking about a person who is incredibly important – a God-like figure. “…said unto him…” : The son is admitting something serious. “…I have sinned…” : This is the key part. The son has done something wrong, something that displeases God. It’s a significant mistake. “…against heaven…” : This means the sin isn't just against himself , it's against God himself – a violation of His perfect standards. Heaven is the place where God lives and rules, so this is a serious offense. “and in thy sight…” : The son is admitting his transgression in front of God. It’s a humbling admission. “…and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” : This is the most heartbreaking part. The son recognizes that he's not good enough, deserving of this father's love and respect. He understands he’s fallen short of his father’s expectations. What it means on a deeper level: This verse shows us a crucial truth: Everyone makes mistakes. It’s normal to stumble or sin. The important thing isn’t how we fall, but that we acknowledge our wrongdoing and recognize the need for forgiveness and repentance. It highlights God's mercy and love – He doesn't condemn us completely; He loves us so much that He offers a way back to Himself. In essence, Luke 15:21 is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to turn away from sin and seek God’s forgiveness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the parable? Discuss the meaning of repentance in this context? Provide some examples of things people might struggle with that reflect this verse?

Definition: 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:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Luke 15:22. It's a really important part of understanding God’s love for us! Here's the simple explanation: Basically, it means the father is showing his love to his son by treating him with great care and luxury. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “But the father said…” : This tells us we’re witnessing a moment of tenderness and concern. “…to his servants…” : This means the father is asking someone – likely a servant – to help him present this special treatment. “…Bring forth the best robe…” : A robe is a fancy, luxurious garment. The father wants to show his son that he’s worthy of great things. “And put [it] on him” : He's instructing someone to wear this robe – it symbolizes a special honor or blessing. “…and put a ring on his hand…” : This is a symbol of wealth and prosperity. “And shoes on his feet” : Finally, he’s giving the son a beautiful, comfortable outfit – showing him he's valued and cared for. The overall meaning: The father wants to make his son feel important, cherished, and like he deserves the best. It’s a way of expressing his love and sending him off in a grand, luxurious way. What does this tell us about God’s love? It shows that God loves us so much that He doesn't just look down on us but actively wants to show His affection through grand gestures – like dressing our children in beautiful things! Does this make sense? Do you want me to explain anything further, or perhaps delve into a specific aspect of the verse? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism behind the robe and shoes. How this relates to Jesus’s parable of the Prodigal Son (which is closely linked).

Definition: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill [it]; and let us eat, and be merry:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 15:23. It's a really important and touching passage about Jesus’s teachings about hospitality and generosity. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, the verse is saying: “When you welcome someone to your home, especially if they are wealthy and have food, you need to kill them – that is, sacrifice them – as a sign of gratitude for their kindness and to celebrate with joy.” Let's unpack it a little further: “And bring hither the fatted calf…” This means "and bring here the lamb." A fat calf is a special animal sacrificed as a symbol of a good life and prosperity. It’s a significant offering. “…and kill [it];” This part is crucial – it means “you need to kill it.” It's not just about a quick, sad death; it's a deliberate action signifying respect and celebration. “And let us eat, and be merry:” This is the key! "Let us eat, and be merry." This encourages people to rejoice in the presence of this offering – a symbol of generosity and thanks. It’s a call for joy and gratitude. What's the bigger picture? Jesus was teaching about the importance of hospitality and showing love to those who are vulnerable. This verse is essentially saying: "Show kindness and welcome to those who need it, and as a reward for their generosity, you should honor them by taking their life." It’s a powerful message of gratitude and celebrating blessings. In essence, Luke 15:23 is a call to action – to be generous, to show appreciation, and to celebrate the good things that come from kindness. --- Do you want me to explain any specific part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore its significance within the context of Jesus’s teachings?

Definition: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Luke 15:24. It's a really powerful message about God’s love and forgiveness. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is talking about the life of His firstborn son, Jesus Christ. He was born into a world where people feared and didn't understand him because he was considered special and different. He was essentially "dead" – meaning he wasn’t alive or present. Then, God intervened! God took Jesus away from the world and placed him in a safe place, like a garden, where he could be nurtured and protected. It's like a miracle! And then… He was found! Jesus came back to life after being lost – meaning he wasn’t fully alive or present. He was brought back to the world. Finally... They Started to Be Merry! This is the key part. The people who saw this miracle were filled with joy and celebration because they understood that Jesus had been resurrected – that He was alive again after being lost. It’s a joyous, celebratory moment of hope and love. In short: Luke 15:24 means that God loved Jesus so much that He brought Him back to life, and His followers were filled with happiness and celebration because they saw this incredible miracle. It speaks about the power of God's grace and forgiveness. What does it teach us? God’s Love is Unconditional: This verse emphasizes that God loves all of His creations, even those who seem lost or forgotten. God Can Restore What Is Lost: It shows that God can bring things back to life and restore what has been lost. Joyful Hope: It inspires us with hope because it demonstrates God's power to overcome death and despair. --- Would you like me to explain any of these points in more detail, or perhaps explore a related verse? For example, I could go into the symbolism of the garden, or talk about why this story is important for Christians.

Definition: Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 15:25. It's a really important story about love and forgiveness! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the older son was enjoying himself when he came near a place where people were playing music and dancing. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Now his elder son…” This refers to one of Jesus's sons. It’s a symbolic reference – it represents us as humans. “…was in the field…” This tells us he was working or relaxing in a place – maybe tending a garden, or just enjoying a quiet moment. “…and as he came and drew nigh to the house…” He was getting closer and closer to the area where the music and dancing were happening. It suggests he was drawn in by the excitement. “He heard musick and dancing.” This is the key part! "Musick" means music, and "dancing" means people are moving around freely. The Message of the Verse: Jesus is telling us a story about how to treat our loved ones – especially when they're hurting or struggling. He’s saying that we should be kind and understanding to others who are experiencing difficult times. Why is this important? It emphasizes: Forgiveness: The older son was being selfish and ignoring his father’s call. Jesus wants us to forgive those who have made mistakes. Love: Loving our family (or anyone in need) is more important than enjoying ourselves. In short, the verse describes a situation where someone was enjoying themselves while others were suffering, and Jesus is telling us that we should be compassionate and understanding. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? Or would you like me to give you another Bible verse? Perhaps you'd like to know about the context of this story or its significance in Christianity?

Definition: And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 15:26: “And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.” Essentially, it’s a really important story about love and forgiveness. Here's a simpler explanation: The Core Idea: Jesus is showing us that God loves us so much that He’s willing to do anything for us. This verse highlights the incredible generosity of God when He offers forgiveness and comfort. Here’s what it means, broken down: “He called one of the servants…” – This suggests a situation where someone was in distress or struggling with something difficult. “…and asked what these things meant.” – Jesus is essentially asking us to understand why this particular event happened and what significance it has for our lives. It’s like saying, “This story is important; can you explain what it's about?” The Bigger Picture: This verse speaks to a fundamental truth: God wants a relationship with us. He’s willing to go to great lengths to show His love and care for us. It’s a reminder that forgiveness isn't just about letting people off the hook; it’s about re-establishing a good relationship – one of grace and acceptance. It's a message of: Unconditional Love: God doesn’t judge us based on our mistakes but loves us completely, regardless. Forgiveness: Jesus offers forgiveness for our sins, which is a huge gift. Restoration: The story shows that when we are hurt or broken, God can restore us and bring us back to the good place with Him. Do you want me to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: What's the significance of the "servant" in the story? How does this relate to forgiveness?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Luke 15:27. It’s a really important and often misunderstood passage about forgiveness and love. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone has been treated unfairly – perhaps they've suffered a great loss or hardship. Jesus is saying, “Don’t worry; your brother is coming.” It highlights the idea that God loves us and wants to forgive those who have wronged us. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Luke 15:27” : This is the verse itself – a specific moment in Jesus’ story. “And he said unto him…” : Jesus is speaking directly to someone who has been treated badly. “…thy brother is come…” : This means someone who has been hurt or rejected has finally arrived. “…and thy father hath killed the fatted calf…” : This is a bit more figurative. "Fatted calf" is a traditional Jewish celebration – it's a large, richly prepared lamb that was offered as a sacrifice to God. Jesus means this person feels like they’ve lost something incredibly important in their life (like a family reunion or a happy event). “because he hath received him safe and sound.” : This is the key part! "Safe and sound" means someone has been rescued from danger, hardship, or disappointment. Jesus is saying that this person is safe and whole – they’ve been given a new life, a second chance. So, what does it all mean? It's about grace and forgiveness. Jesus is saying that God will forgive those who are suffering and that He wants to offer them a way back to happiness and wholeness. It’s a powerful message of hope – even when things seem hopeless, God can restore us and make things right. In essence, it's about the ultimate forgiveness and restoration offered by God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you some context for this passage? (Like its significance in the story of Jesus’s ministry) Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 15:28: “And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.” Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a mother’s intense anger when her son refuses to help her. It’s a very powerful image of a parent’s frustration. Let's unpack it bit by bit: “And he was angry…” : This immediately tells us that the mother felt a strong, unpleasant emotion – anger – because her son wasn’t helping her. “…and would not go in:” : This is the key part. The mother refused to let her son enter her house or help her. She firmly refused his request. “Therefore came his father out, and intreated him.” : This is where it gets interesting. The father of the boy – who is being asked to help – begged the mother to let him in. He pleaded with her to allow him to come over. So, what’s the story behind this? The Bible describes a very ancient tradition about this story. It's a symbolic representation of God’s love and concern for his children. Jesus is saying: “Father, forgive them for their lack of faith.” God's Love: The mother's anger shows how much she loves her son and wants him to be happy. The Need for Faith: The father’s plea represents the need for people to have faith – believing in God and trusting that He will help them. Without faith, things can go wrong. In essence, this verse is a story about the importance of faith and obedience. It's a reminder that God loves us deeply and wants us to follow His guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the symbolism behind this passage? Give you some context about the story of Jesus’ birth?