- 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.
- Respected his father’s will as long as it pleased himself.
- 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.
JJ
May 26, 2013
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