The Older Son
The HBC Sunday School Lesson for March 14th focus on the life of the "Prodigal Son". I always thought the older son got a bad rap in this story.
Luke 15 recounts the history of the two brothers. The younger son wanted his share of the father’s estate "before the father died" (vs. 12). That tells us of this young mans nature and character at the time. The father agreed to the son's demand. Jewish culture gave a third of the estates to the younger son. The older son would received a two-thirds share of the inheritance.
This third cost the father and older son more than financial matters.
The younger man did not want land or animals. He wanted money. The father had to come up with that amount of 'cash' as it was worth to the entire estate. This meant selling off assets of land and livestock that were needed to keep the family farm alive. The father owned nothing after the estate was divide between the two boys (vs. 12). Therefor the older son now took on complete responsibility of the family business.
On the day the prodigal son came home "his older son was in the field (working hard), and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing" (vs. 25). The faithful and hardworking man discovered that the father had now given his lost brother the nicest robe, a ring, and started the bar-b-que. The party had begun. Remember the older son was a man with human frailties. He was angry, resentful, and hurt. The Father was giving away everything that was 'legally' his.
The older son forgot that he already had the blessing for which the younger had only dreamed. The father said, "son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours" (Luke 15:31).
The normal wear and tear of the world can often lead us to forget our position with the heavenly Father. Hurt and trouble may push us to act in a way that is not full Christ-like. Never forget that all that the Father has is yours.
When I went to Jesus and asked Him into my heart; He gave me mercy. He put a robe around my shoulders. He gave me his signet ring. He gave promised to satisfied all my needs. These blessing point to God's GRACE. He no longer remembers my sins. He extended to me what I needed most, forgiveness and entrance into heaven.
Becky DeBerry
Luke 15 recounts the history of the two brothers. The younger son wanted his share of the father’s estate "before the father died" (vs. 12). That tells us of this young mans nature and character at the time. The father agreed to the son's demand. Jewish culture gave a third of the estates to the younger son. The older son would received a two-thirds share of the inheritance.
This third cost the father and older son more than financial matters.
The younger man did not want land or animals. He wanted money. The father had to come up with that amount of 'cash' as it was worth to the entire estate. This meant selling off assets of land and livestock that were needed to keep the family farm alive. The father owned nothing after the estate was divide between the two boys (vs. 12). Therefor the older son now took on complete responsibility of the family business.
On the day the prodigal son came home "his older son was in the field (working hard), and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing" (vs. 25). The faithful and hardworking man discovered that the father had now given his lost brother the nicest robe, a ring, and started the bar-b-que. The party had begun. Remember the older son was a man with human frailties. He was angry, resentful, and hurt. The Father was giving away everything that was 'legally' his.
The older son forgot that he already had the blessing for which the younger had only dreamed. The father said, "son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours" (Luke 15:31).
The normal wear and tear of the world can often lead us to forget our position with the heavenly Father. Hurt and trouble may push us to act in a way that is not full Christ-like. Never forget that all that the Father has is yours.
When I went to Jesus and asked Him into my heart; He gave me mercy. He put a robe around my shoulders. He gave me his signet ring. He gave promised to satisfied all my needs. These blessing point to God's GRACE. He no longer remembers my sins. He extended to me what I needed most, forgiveness and entrance into heaven.
Becky DeBerry