RUN TO THE FATHER 3: The Brother

The parable of the Prodigal Son features three key characters: the wasteful younger son, the forgiving father, and the resentful older brother. While we often focus on the prodigal's return and the father's unconditional love, the older brother's story reveals important spiritual lessons. His anger at his brother's celebration exposes his pride, self-righteousness, and transactional view of his relationship with his father. Jesus told this parable to challenge the Pharisees who, like the older brother, followed rules but missed God's heart of compassion. The father's gracious response to both sons reminds us that Christianity isn't about earning favor through obedience but about embracing God's heart of love and extending it to others. (Preached by Samuel Eby