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).