This week we unpacked the story of the older brother in Luke 15. While the younger son was lost in rebellion, the older son was lost in religion. Jesus showed us that pride can keep us in the Father’s house, yet far from His heart. We discovered how pride turns obedience into slavery, fuels comparison, and creates distance — but the Father still comes out to invite us in. The challenge is left open: will we step into the celebration of grace or stay outside in bitterness?
Big Idea: Religion keeps us near the Father’s house but far from the Father’s heart.
The older brother obeyed the rules but missed the Father’s love.
Pride turns obedience into slavery — “All these years I’ve been slaving for you…” (Luke 15:29).
Pride compares and keeps score — “You never gave me even a young goat…” (Luke 15:29).
Pride creates distance — “This son of yours…” (Luke 15:30).
The Father’s response: “My son… you are always with me… everything I have is yours.” (Luke 15:31)
Grace throws parties while pride keeps score.
The greatest distance wasn’t the younger brother’s rebellion, but the older brother refusing to step into the celebration.
The story ends open — the Father is still inviting us in.
Reflection questions:
Am I obeying out of overflow or obligation?
Do I celebrate others’ blessings or compare?
Am I moving toward people God has invited, or keeping distance?