• Luke 15:11-32
  • Luke 15:1-2- Jesus told three parables trying to teach the scribes and Pharisees to rejoice over saving a lost sinner.
  • The elder brother
    • Respected his father’s will as long as it pleased himself.
      • Luke 7:36-39
    • Was self-righteous
      • Luke 18:10-14
    • Lack of love and resentment robbed him of a joyful reunion with his brother.
      • The elder brother should have rejoiced at the return of his brother, just as the Pharisees should have rejoiced when sinners returned to God.
    • Lost sight of the blessings of his father’s fellowship.
  • Lessons for us
    • Let us be sure we respect the Father’s will even when it does not conform with our first choice.
    • Let us realize we are not righteous of ourselves because of much lawkeeping, but by the grace of God, the blood of Christ, and our trust in Him.
    • Let us be sure we never let self-righteousness and resentment rob us of joy when a sinner repents.
    • Let us never lose sight of the great blessings of fellowship with the Father.