Luke 15:23
And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
LUKE 15:23
The command to “bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry” capstones the Father’s response with communal celebration. In Jewish culture, feasts mark forgiveness, reconciliation, and restored status. The calf, prepared for a festival, signals abundant joy and communal participation in grace. The shift from loss to celebratory feast reflects the kingdom ethos Jesus is teaching: heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents.
The feast is a tangible sign of divine forgiveness and communal restoration. It emphasizes the joyful nature of God’s mercy and the communal dimension of repentance—sin affects not just the sinner but the wider community.
In practical terms, celebrate restoration when reconciliation happens. This could be hosting a small gathering with family or friends after a difficult season, or choosing to celebrate milestones of spiritual growth with others. It’s a reminder that grace should be visible and shared.
Cross-References: Luke 15:7; Luke 2:10-11; Romans 12:15; Hebrews 12:22-24