The Pouting

The Pouting

Luke 15:25-30, NLT

Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, 26and he asked one of the servants what was going on. 27“Your brother is back,” he was told, “and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.” 28The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, 29but he replied, “All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!”

Setting the Scene

During the joyous reunion of father and son, the older brother was “in the fields working,” being responsible and contributing to the well-being of the family. When he returned from his hard work, probably dirty and sweaty, he encountered a grand celebration at the house; so he asked a servant “what was going on.”

Upon learning that his reprobate brother had returned and that the party was for him, the older son was enraged and refused to join the celebration or even to greet his brother. Jesus contrasted the father’s response with the older brother’s. The father forgave because he was filled with love. The older son refused to forgive because he was bitter about what he perceived as injustice.

In this story, the older brother represents the “Pharisees and teachers of religious law” of Luke 15:2; the younger brother represents the “tax collectors and other notorious sinners” of 15:1; the father represents God. The religious leaders, ever claiming how hard they “slaved” for God, were attempting to keep myriad rules and regulations. They had the Father’s love but had rejected it in favor of hard work and self-denial. So when God eagerly welcomed the sinful, common people into the Kingdom, the religious leaders refused to join the celebration. Notice that in the story, the father loves both sons. He welcomes home the penitent, wayward son and pleads with his loyal son to join the party.

Getting Personal

What characteristics of the older brother do you see in yourself (positive and negative)?

When have you felt resentment that a “notorious sinner” or prodigal received lots of attention? How did you deal with those feelings?

What would help you remember that your heavenly Father loves you just as much as any of your brothers and sisters in Christ?

In this story, the older son explained that he had been slaving away for his father and accused his father of “never” acknowledging his loyalty and hard work. Bitterness works that way—we selectively remember and build evidence for our case. Wallowing in self-pity and anger, this son ignored his father’s obvious love for him and the wonderful news about his brother. He preferred to pout rather than party.

Talking to God

Search your own heart before the Lord and admit to him the times you have been self-righteous and resentful, conveniently forgetting your own sins and judging others. Thank him for his forgiveness and join in the rejoicing for every sinner who comes home.