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examine your own heart

Luke 15:25-32
"25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound."

Today we conclude Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), shifting focus from the repentant younger son to the resentful older one.

The faithful older son, who had diligently worked the fields, returns to discover a celebration for his wayward brother. Hearing music and dancing, he asks a servant and learns the reason. Rather than rejoice, he grows angry and refuses to join. His response exposes bitterness, self-righteousness, and a transactional view of his relationship with his father—believing loyal obedience deserved special rewards never granted.

The father goes out to plead with him, extending the same grace shown to the younger son. The older son complains: despite years of service, he never received even a goat to celebrate with friends, while his wasteful brother got a fattened calf. He calls his brother “this son of yours,” distancing himself.

The father replies with gentle wisdom: “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
The celebration isn’t about rewarding sin—it’s about the joy of restoration and reconciliation. 

The parable ends without revealing the older son’s choice, inviting the original audience (and us) to examine our own hearts. How does this parable affect you? Relieved by grace? Upset that the younger son “pays no price”?

Tax collectors and sinners likely identified with the prodigal, seeing hope in God’s open arms. The Pharisees and scribes, however, were probably offended by the father’s lavish generosity, viewing it as unfair to the “righteous.” Jesus challenged their self-righteousness and lack of joy over repentant sinners.

What do you think?
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