Sunday, January 29th, 2023

Topic: THE ELDER BROTHER SYNDROME

Scripture: Luke15: 25-32

Speaker: Bro William Lewis

One of the things Jesus used to do during his ministry was to mingle with all people including sinners. 

In the book of Luke chapter 15, we find the three lessons from the three parables. The parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin and the parable of the lost son [the prodigal son]

Our study is in Luke 15: 25-32, where Jesus gave to his disciples the parable of the lost son. We all know the story of the prodigal son, the younger brother who asked his portion of inheritance to his father and the father granted his request. After squandering unwisely his inheritance the young son finally returned home. The father, who was happy to see his son back, organized a big celebration party for the found son. An action that did not please the elder son who has was faithful to his father but never received any kind of reward. 

From, this story we learn 3 things:

1. Both sons were lost : The young brother was suffering from the situational crisis, all he wanted was to go and enjoy life, in one word he dwelled in lavish but the elder brother was suffering from moralism but still was lost. The gospel preached is not about keeping rules or being good. Being good does not mean being saved. In this situation Jesus wanted to show the disciples that you only don’t need to be good but you need to be saved. 
2. The older brother was in a leadership crisis: the bible says he used to spend his time in the field so he was the leader and the laborer at the same time. He suffered from leadership crisis because he was supposed to stand for his father when the young one asked for his inheritance. He neglected his leadership position in the family but busy doing labor work on the field with others workers.
3. The older brother was in an identity crisis: the older son had a slave mentality because in his father’s eyes, he was a son but on his own eyes, he was a slave. He looked down on himself. He complained instead of asking. Moreover, that how we believers often behave toward God, we complain too much instead of asking and being grateful for what God has provided.

Dear ones let all make the decision to be part of the party when the lost ones are found. Do not let anger and bitterness hold you back from rejoicing.