Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
All Commentaries on Luke 15:25 Go To Luke 15
Cyril of Alexandria
AD 444
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.” Commentary on Luke, Homily
