At the end of this parable, we get a chilling description of the older brother who is meant to be the religious people of the time who should have been happy, celebrating that the younger brother had returned. Instead, he thinks only of himself, trying to use the Father and blames him for using his inheritance up. Let us take this reminder to heart and examine ourselves to see if we are trying to earn our salvation, and then blaming God when it does not turn out the way we want.

[Luke 15.25-32]

25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ ”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Reread the beginning of the parable?

+ How does the older brother respond to the feast?

+ What did the father do for that younger brother that was so astonishing?

+ Why is the older brother jealous? How does this affect the older brother’s inheritance?

+ What should have the older brother done that he did not?

+ What is the response of the father?

+ What is his invitation?

+ Who is the older brother?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Are you being an older brother, by trying to work out your salvation?

+ How can you support others coming into the kingdom?

+ How are working to make your life marked by humility?

+ Watch Tim Keller’s Prodigal God talk.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ How are you praying for those around you?