Son Burn?

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam spoke on the parable many of us know as "The Prodigal Son" (Luke 15:11-32).  But, as our pastor shared, we see that the story is the narrative of actions and interactions of a younger son, an older son, and a father.

Today, let’s consider the older son. What does the narrative reveal about him?

Disinterest in the well-being of his brother. The older son, who had remained at home the entire time that the younger son was gone, reacted in anger when he heard the reason for the household's music and dancing (see Luke 15:25-28). The father, however, had consistently been looking for the younger son and was overjoyed to see him return home (see Luke 15:20).

Disrespect for his own position as a son. The older son held incorrect, inappropriate heart-attitudes about his place in his father's house. As Pastor Sam noted on Sunday, the older son spoke as if everything he had was due to the hard work he had done rather than it being due to his status as a son, even going as far to describe himself in terms of servitude: "All these years I've been slaving for you..." (Luke 15:29) In the narrative, we see that the father had to remind the older son, “Everything I have is yours!” (see Luke 15:31)

Pastor Sam shared a phrase with us: “The older brother was in the house, but he was not at the party.” For those of us who have been in church-life a long time, this is a call for us to remember that we are beneficiaries. We did not earn our salvation; our Father provided it through the sacrifice of Christ. We did not purchase our spiritual gifts; our Father provided them by His Spirit. We have the privilege of celebrating all that our Father is and all that He does in and through us. Further, we have the privilege of interceding for “younger brothers”—those in our community who have wandered from the fold. May these lost ones return to find a family waiting with forgiveness, love, and joyous celebration.

How do you respond when wayward sons return home?

All Scripture references are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.