What does Luke 15:22 mean?
As the prodigal son returns home, two things happen simultaneously. The son is properly repentant. He recognizes he has sinned against his father and against God. He took their blessings and then lived as if they had no more authority in his life; in fact, as if they did not exist. He wants to sincerely acknowledge his sin and beg for any mercy they may offer (Luke 15:11–19). At the same time, the father accepted his repentance before he heard his voice. He saw his son walking home from a distance and knew his heart. He had already begun the restoration process before his son could get the words out by embracing and kissing him (Luke 15:20–21).The words are important for the son to say for his own sake. The father has already moved to the next step. He gives his son three things to signify the restoration of their relationship, although the specific meanings are ambiguous. The ring, the robe, and the shoes may just be signs that the father has restored his son to fellowship and an honored position (Esther 6:6–11), but they may mean more. If the ring is a seal, it is a sign of restored authority within the family (Genesis 41:42). The robe may be a sign that the son's sin is covered (Zechariah 3:4–5; Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 3:18).
The shoes are especially poignant. Slaves don't wear shoes; sons do. For reasons scholars debate, the son did not finish his intended apology: he did not ask to be made a servant (Luke 15:19, 21). The shoes are a subtle sign that the father would not allow it anyway.
