ScriptureSearch Ministry

The Prodigal Son Series #3
The Prodigal’s Brother
(The Prodigal that Never Left)
Luke 15:25-32

Luke 15:25-32 (KJV)... 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. 28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: 30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. 32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found...

This morning I want to focus on The Elder Brother, The Prodigal that Never Left. Through his life Jesus illustrates a great truth that He wants to convey to the Pharisees and the Scribes. Remember, their attitude toward the lost was the purpose for Jesus giving these parables, (Luke 15:1-2)... 1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receives sinners, and eats with them...

I. The Introduction of the Brother (vv.25,29a)
1. His Lineage (v.25a)...
2. His Labor (v.25b)...
3. His Loyalty (v.29a)...

II. The Infuriation of the Brother (vv.25b-30)
1. He was Bitter (25b-28)...
2. He was Brazen (28b)...
3. He was Belligerent (vv.29-30)...

III. The Intercession of the Father (vv.28c,31-32)
1. He Sought to Implore Commiseration (v.28c)...
2. He Sought to Impart Confidence (v.31)...
3. He Sought to Inspire Compliance (v.32)...

Conclusion... The older son and the younger son—before he returns home—have the exact same problem: The younger son says, “I don’t deserve this, therefore I need to work hard to earn it.” The older son says, “I’ve worked hard to earn it, therefore I deserve it.” Either way, they believed that their father’s loved was conditional: it depended on what they did... This parable says—emphatically says “NO!” It’s all about the father’s grace...