Two Brothers

Two Brothers

Bible: Luke 15 : 25 – 32

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We had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and
is alive again; he was lost and is found (V.32).

The story in Luke 15:11-32 may be quite familiar. It gets taught in church a lot, often with the focus on the younger son who spent all his dad’s money and got himself into a mess. But it is actually the story of two
brothers and their loving dad. It’s a story that’s very relevant to all of us.

I can identify a bit with the younger son. He went off on his own, lived a party life and made some pretty bad decisions. But I can really get on board with the older brother’s pride. His problem was perhaps even more serious than his brothers. That’s because it was hidden—but easy to recognise when it came to the surface.

Here’s how we can tell the older brother had a big problem: he chose anger instead of happiness when his brother was welcomed home (LUKE 15:28). He cut himself off and “refused to go in” (V.28). He said to his dad, “this son of yours” (V.30), instead of calling him “my brother”. Clearly, he didn’t feel any love or forgiveness for him. Yet the dad loved both sons equally. With the younger, he ran out to welcome him.

And with his older son, he “went out and pleaded with him” (V.28). There was no angry telling off, just happiness for the younger son and concern for his older son. What a great picture of how generously God loves each one of us!

Which brother are you more like? Have you accepted your Father’s incredible love and forgiveness?

GOD’S LOVE CHANGES ALL OF US,

NO MATTER WHAT WE STRUGGLE WITH.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries