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 February 16, 2025
The Parable Of The Elder Brother
Luke 15:15–32

This week, Pastor David continued his sermon series, Stories That Still Speak. In this message about the The Parable Of The Elder Brother, we are challenged to search our own heart.

GOING DEEPER:

  • To the Pharisees and scribes of His day, Jesus was a walking contradiction because of the company He kept. But what they failed to understand was that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Jesus’ life and ministry was a walking testimony to a God who loved all the people of the world. Why is it so important to understand the context of this parable?
  • Pastor David invited us to see ourselves in this story. He shared that we might be an elder brother if we have a 20/20 vision of everyone else’s sins and shortcomings. Ask yourself these questions: 
    • Does the spirit of judgment consistently occupy me?
    • Do I consistently feel the need to bring others down privately?
    • Do I struggle with extending grace and overlooking wrongs?
    • Do I consistently size myself up against others?​​​​​​
  • You also might be an elder brother if you are blind to your own shortcomings and need for grace. We can get to the place in our spiritual life where we are content and comfortable and do not stand under God’s Word, but rather above it. Do you leave church never convicted, never changed, never stirred? How can you change your schedule this week to make more time for guidance, silence, and repentance?
  •  ​​​Pastor David shared that you can be lost by wandering away, and you can be just as lost and never leave home. God, in His grace, offers the invitation to come home to the one who needs the grace of His Father and to the one who doesn’t recognize his own need. The story of the elder brother is left open for us to respond. Will you come inside, grab a plate, and celebrate? If you do:
    • ​​​​​​​Will you leave your judgmental, critical attitude that is always looking for the worst in a person or situation?
    • Will you leave behind the “I am so good” syndrome?
    • Will you recognize that those who run from home and those who stay at home are both sinners in need of the mercy and grace of their Father?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

  • To view past sermons, please click here.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24–26 

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