The Struggle for Fairness: Lessons from an Older Brother
In the parable found in Luke 15:25-32, we encounter a character many of us can relate to—the older brother. As we delve into this narrative, we uncover not only the struggle for fairness but also the profound desperation in the heart of God for the one who is lost.
I. The Desperation in God's Heart: The parable of the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son illustrates the increasing value of that which is lost, the growing intensity of the search, and the magnifying celebration when the lost is found. It reveals a God whose heart is desperate for the salvation of the lost.
II. The Resentment of the Father: Examining Luke 15 in verses 28-29, we encounter the older brother's resentment. This resentment parallels the Pharisees' discontentment with Jesus' association with tax collectors and sinners. The explosive anger of the older brother mirrors the Pharisees' frustration with Jesus' approach.
The Plea of the Father:
The father, representing Jesus, leaves the party to plead with the older son. This act of earnest appeal and continuous begging echoes the sacrificial love of Christ, emphasizing the lengths to which God goes to bring the lost back into the fold.
The Reminder of Philippians 2:5-8:
Drawing a parallel with Philippians 2:5-8, we witness the humility and self-emptying nature of God's love. This illustration reinforces the unique and compassionate character of Jesus in contrast to the expectations of transactional religion.
III. The Older Brother's Perspective: Exploring verses 29-30, we encounter the older brother's perspective. His complaint of having worked hard kept the rules, and never intentionally broken them reflects a common human struggle—the desire for fairness.
Questions for Self-Reflection:
Analyzing the older son's anger, we pose questions: Does he have a right to be angry? Do we sympathize with his perspective? Many struggle to find fault due to a transactional view of their relationship with Jesus.
IV. The Reminder of the Father: Delving into verses 31-32, we witness the Father's reminder. Despite the older son's complaints, the father had given him everything, emphasizing the extravagant love and generosity of God.
Celebration and Gladness:
The father's response reinforces the communal celebration of God's work. It serves as a reminder that, as a community, we are called to celebrate the transformative work of Jesus in the lives of the lost.
Conclusion: The parable of the two sons encapsulates the pursuit of fulfillment through different paths—the sensual and the ethical—both leading to dead ends. Jesus, as the ultimate path, invites us to the ultimate feast, an eternal celebration depicted in Isaiah 25:6-8.
Invitation: As we navigate our own journeys, let's remember the ongoing story of Luke 15. Jesus cares about the one, salvation is both an individual and communal experience, and our lives are a continual celebration of the transformative work of the Father.
In prayer, let's reflect on the invitation to the ultimate feast, embracing the grace that surpasses transactional expectations, and rejoicing in the hope of a heavenly banquet where death is conquered, and tears are wiped away.
