After embracing his returning son, the father orders servants to bring the best robe, place a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet, and prepare the fattened calf for a feast.
Jesus in Context
Robe, Ring, Sandals, and Fattened Calf
The father restores the returning son with clothing, a ring, footwear, and a celebratory feast.
Introduction
Historical and Cultural Context
Clothing, jewelry, footwear, and feasting all carried visible social meaning. The robe honors the son, the ring marks restored status, sandals distinguish him from extreme destitution, and slaughtering a specially fattened animal turns the return into a communal celebration.
Why It Matters
The details show that the father does considerably more than allow the son to return. He restores him publicly and surrounds that restoration with recognizable signs of honor and celebration.