SYNOPSIS
To experience the Father's love as it was extended to the elder brother in Jesus' parable of the man who had two sons.

TEXT
Luke 15:1-3, 25-32

AN AUDIO FILE OF THE MESSAGE in its entirety is available for streaming or download at http://www.mediafire.com/?dyk0mg3yr21

The Audience
Let us remind ourselves of the audience for whom it is intended...from Luke 15:1-3, it is clear that this story is not for the general public, but for "the Pharisees and the scribes" --the good, upright, God-fearing, law-abiding, religious leaders of the Jewish faith.
We in the church are the modern equivalent of the Pharisees and the scribes. This story is not for our "pagan" neighbours out there, but FOR US, THE INSIDERS.

Today's lesson begins where we left off last week...the younger son, who was outside the Father's house spending his inheritance in "dissolute living" in a distant land is back in the Father's house. But the older son, who lives with the father in the same house, is still outside, even if it is just outside the door.

He is ANGRY. He is full of RESENTMENT over the treatment his brother receives and his perceived lack of special treatment by his Father. (You brought in take-out from Outback Steakhouse for him...but didn't even treat my and my friends to Kentucky Fried Chicken!)

He considers himself a SLAVE AND NOT A SON, i.e. one who has to work to earn the Father's love.

He is CRITICAL of his brother.