Luke 15:25-30 - Ray Nabors

Luke 15:25-30 - NIV 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

The obvious is the ungrateful son that is jealous of his brother. We also see the accusation towards the Pharisees and Sadducees; the self-righteous leaders. But what about the Christian that has been working hard doing the Father's work, or been doing what he thinks is all the right things. Without realizing it has become content and the routine has overshadowed the reason and purpose. The older son has taken the blessings for granted. He has forgotten what the love of the Father was, so he lashes out and refuses to accept this person and celebrate what he thinks he never received – a pat on the back for a job well done, forgetting the love and forgiveness of the Father.