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In recent weeks we discussed the parable of the Prodigal Son and the wonderful welcome home of a wayward son who discovered the value of a Father’s mercy, forgiveness, and love. It is a story of understanding and accepting God’s grace which is always available…. But that’s only the first half of the parable. In the 1970’s and 80’s the Chicago-based radio commentator Paul Harvey would open his daily broadcast, “Hello Americans, I'm Paul Harvey. You know what the news is -- in a minute, you're going to hear the rest of the story.”1 Harvey would begin to illustrate a compelling backstory that people would seldom hear. The backstory today is about
the dutiful older sibling of the prodigal son.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.
32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” Luke 15:25-32.

My quick theological research suggests that the interpretation of the older brother represented the scribes, Pharisees, and Jewish leadership who allowed their often corrupt, prideful, and pious behavior to place themselves in high regard to others and to judge those that didn’t understand, accept, or follow the letter of the law as they interpreted. The example of the older brother is a reminder to all of us to move past judgement, to forgive, to love the Father, and to advance the ministry of Jesus through loving and serving our neighbors.

As we read the parable, the older brother’s pent-up resentment toward his younger brother is obvious. His comments illustrate his jealousy, pride, and disrespect in the response offered to his father. He clearly wasn’t ready to forgive and welcome his lost brother home. It blocked his ability to love. It also suggests the older brother didn’t understand or accept the love of his father. Jesus is teaching that we often don’t appreciate that the grace, mercy, and forgiveness found in God’s love is not earned but a gift.

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

The older brother didn’t recognize or value that he was living under the blessings of his father …every day. But the father forgave both lost sons. The Father loves His children.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

As illustrated in the character of the older brother sometimes we allow the prideful perception of our efforts to blur the fact that God’s grace was not earned but gifted. Jesus is also suggesting that pride and jealousy are barriers to loving God and our brothers, sisters, and neighbors. All of God’s mandates are derivatives of two overarching commandments to love God and to love our neighbor. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus is challenging us to understand and accept the love of God and seek a pathway home. It requires we live a life reflecting that love. What are the impediments to loving the Lord and serving our neighbors?

Prayer: We humbly come to you in prayer examining and pushing aside our wayward acts and prideful behavior. Guide us to Your grace. Teach us to love as we are loved. We make this prayer in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.

1 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaT3KaoshO4HS03006QOWhA.

The Wesleyan Bridge is written by K.B. Kelly with the Reverend Valerie Mireb and Pastor Hank Brooks as Theological Editors with Debbie Kelly as Text and Content Editor.