Day 11 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son: Part 2 (Older Son)

Reading Passage: Luke 15:11-32

In part two of reading the Parable of the Prodigal Son, we’re introduced to the only person in all three parables in Luke chapter 15 that is not a part of the celebration when what was lost is found - the older son. 

Most of us can relate to one of the father’s two sons in this parable. Perhaps, like the younger son, you’ve pursued happiness through self-discovery and the “fleeting pleasure of sin” (Hebrews 11:25, CSB), only to find running from God left you empty, broken, and depressed. Or perhaps, like the older son, all your life you’ve tried to be good and to obey. Sure, you’ve messed up, but generally, you do the right thing. 

Fellow rule followers, you won’t want to miss this reading! You’ll discover how, without even realizing it, all your goodness can blind you from your need to repent and distance you from an intimate relationship with God, just like it did for the older brother. 

As you read about the older son in the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 what do you learn about how easy it is for us to compare ourselves to others? What do you learn about God’s desire for all His children?

Reminder: To understand the heart of Jesus’ parable here, read before and after the parable to identify the original audience Jesus was talking to and cultural reference points and characters they would have understood. Also observe the ending, which often had an unexpected twist that Jesus desired the audience to notice most.