Last week, we looked at the 1st half of the prodigal parable and the younger rebellious brother. We saw the father’s scandalous grace in welcoming him home with love and forgiveness. Most people end the parable there, but Jesus didn’t. There’s another brother, and there’s much to learn from him as well. The older brother teaches us that there are really two ways to be lost, rebellion and religion. It’s possible to be outwardly moral and obedient, and yet be distant from our Father’s heart. The truth is, for most of us we are in more danger of following the path of the older brother. We are easily angered when God doesn’t give us what we think we deserve. We are blinded by our own sin. We inwardly develop a superiority complex with people who’s sin we see as darker than our own. And yet, the Father pursues both his younger rebellious son, and his older outwardly-obedient son, and invites them both into the party. Two ways to miss God’s heart; rebellion and rule-following. One way of salvation and relationship with the Father, and that’s through His son, Jesus who is the better and perfect older brother!

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From Series: "Parable(s)"