ACC ~ Luke 15 v25 - 32

THE ELDER SON DOES NOT REPRESENT ISRAEL

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: If anyone says that the virtuous and sober son signifies Israel according to the flesh, we cannot agree to this opinion. In no way is it fitting to say that Israel chose a blameless life. Throughout the whole inspired Scripture, we see them accused of being rebels and disobedient. …

I think it is right to mention this also. Some refer to the person of our Savior as that fatted calf that the father killed when his son was called to conversion. … If any one imagines that the virtuous and sober son means the physical Israel, how can Israel honestly say that he never gave him a kid? Whether we call it calf or kid, Christ is to be understood as the sacrifice offered for sin. He was not sacrificed only for the Gentiles but also that he might redeem Israel, who by reason of his frequent transgression of the law had brought great blame on himself. The wise Paul bears witness to this, saying, “For this reason Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people by his blood, suffered outside the gate.” [1] COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 107. [2]

[1] Heb 13:12.

[2] :1–24:53 PRELIMINARY REMARKS | ON THE GOSPEL

THE JEWS NOW STAND OUTSIDE THE GENTILE CHURCH

PETER CHRYSOLOGUS: The older brother, the older son coming from the field, the people of the law, hears the music and dancing in the Father’s house, yet he does not want to enter. “The harvest indeed is abundant, but the laborers are few.” [1] Every day we see this same thing happen with our own eyes. The Jewish people comes to its Father’s house, the church. It stands outside because of its jealousy. It hears the harp of David echoing, and the music from the singing of the psalms, and the dancing carried on by so many assembled races. It does not wish to enter. Through jealousy, it remains outside. In horror, it judges its Gentile brother by its own ancient customs, and meanwhile, it is depriving itself of its Father’s goods and excluding itself from his joys. SERMON 5. [2]

[1] Lk 10:2.

[2] FC 17:50**.

THE ELDER SON IS ALWAYS WITH THE FATHER

PETER CHRYSOLOGUS: The Father steps outside and says to his son, “Son, you are always with me.” How is he with his son? In the person of Abel, Enoch, Shem, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and all the holy men from which stems Christ’s Jewish lineage read in the Gospel when it says, “Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob,” and so on. [1] SERMON 5. [2]

[1] Mt 1:2.

[2] FC 17:51*.

CHRIST WAS BORN FOR THE ELDER SON

PETER CHRYSOLOGUS: “All that is mine is yours.” How is this? The law, prophecy, temple, priesthood, sacrifices, kingdom, and the gifts are for you. This is the greatest gift of all: Christ was born. Since you through your jealousy wish to destroy your brother, you are no longer worthy to possess your Father’s banquets and joys. SERMON 5. [1]

[1] FC 17:51*.