Luke 15:25-32 – Rejoicing

The older brother is angry and finds fault because of the rejoicing over his brother’s return. He complains that his father is treating the returning prodigal too well, and that he himself has not been treated as well as he deserves. He is unable to share in the joy over his younger brother, and he gives way to envious thoughts. It is not a pretty picture.

The older brother is an exact picture of the Jews of Jesus’ time. They can not bear the idea of their Gentile younger brother sharing their privileges. The older brother is also a picture of the scribes and Pharisees. They are angry that Christ spends time with sinners. But the older brother is also a picture of many in the Church today who hate the idea of a salvation based, not on your works, but on God’s grace and complain over the non-respectable people coming into the church, whether single mothers, ex-alcoholics, grubby teenagers, or noisy kids. They are unable to rejoice that these men and women, boys and girls are saved.

The conversion of any soul should be a time of joy to all who see it. Nothing should make us as happy as to see someone come to faith in Christ. It makes angels rejoice in heaven. It ought to make Christians rejoice on earth. What if those who are converted used to be extremely wicked? What if they have served sin and Satan for many long years, wasting their lives? It doesn’t matter. Are they truly repentant? Have they come back to their Father’s house? Are they new creatures in Christ Jesus? Are the dead made alive and the lost found? If so, we should rejoice and be glad.

Questions
1. Why is the older brother mad?
2. Who is he like?
3. What should our reaction be when people become Christians?

Prayer Points
1. Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.