This last parable from Luke 15 is about two sons. The younger one took his share of his father’s inheritance early and “lived it up” in a faraway land. Until, as so often happens with fast riches, he ran out of money. He hired himself out as a farmhand for pigs, an unclean animal for his people. His rock bottom was so low, and his hunger so great, that he considered eating the pigs’ pods. Then he came to his senses and remembered how good the servants at his dad’s house had it. He prepared an apology speech and resolved to apply to join his dad’s servant squad. 

When he finally makes it home, however, his dad runs to meet him and is so relieved to have him back that he throws him a party. I think it’s safe to say he didn’t get the job. :)

While they partied over the fatted calf, the older brother was having a cow of his own. He is so upset that his brother had such a welcoming after living the way he did that he can’t even bring himself to join them.

If you’ve been following Monday’s thread, you’ll remember that these parables were an answer to the Pharisee’s criticism of Jesus’ association with sinners. And before we get pharisaical on the Pharisees, take a look at what the father says to the older brother in verses 31-32:

31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ”

God loves both the Pharisees and the sinners, and both need Him. We are all lost until we are found in Him. 

So, which brother are you? Maybe you had a dramatic conversion experience where Jesus pulled you out of the pigpen and now your life is radically different. Or, maybe your testimony isn’t as dramatic. Maybe you grew up doing all the “right” things and can’t understand how God can forgive so much. I think if we’re honest, we can all see a bit of ourselves in each of them. 

Let’s take a moment today, and examine ourselves, asking God to show us where any bitterness or resentment may have found its way in our hearts.

Feel free to check out a song or two to reflect on the week:

Hurry Home Wayward Son by Apologetix 

Mystery of Mercy by Andrew Peterson