"When There is an I Problem"

N.T.#599 "When There is an I Problem"

July 28, 2025 

Luke 15-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW

Let it party begin. The prodigal son was home. He repented of his sin and admitted he was not worthy to be called his father's son.  The father thought otherwise. He put the best robe on his son, the family right of authority, and shoes on his feet. Now it was time to kill the fatted calf and have a celebration. All was merry-except for one thing.

The elder son came in from working in the field and heard music. He asked a servant what was going on. Keep in mind that the faithful son remained home, working for his father, yet he had also received his inheritance. How did this guy react to the celebration of the sinful and unfaithful brother? He was angry. So angry that he would not go into the house and join in the party.

Dad intreated the older son to join them. After all, his brother was back, they were eating the fatted calf, and celebrating the boy's safe return. 

Entreated means to call near; invite.

The guy wouldn't go inside until he had his say:

• All these years I slaved for you.
• I never once refused to obey. 
• In all that time you never once even gave me a young goat for a feast with my friends.
• Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fatted calf. I never got a party.(verses 28-30 NLT)

Wow! The oldest son let his father have it with brash speech. Do you see his "I" problem? We hear his entitlement, see his serving not out of love but for gain. The older son could have killed a calf and had a party with his friends any time, but did not. He owns the whole herd, after all. All that the father had was his.

LET IT GROW

How would you have treated the younger son if he was your brother? 

We aren't told the rest of the story. Did the older son admit his sinful attitude? Did he join the party? Did he continue to resent his brother? 

I don't think it matters how it ended. The thing is, the younger son repented of his sin, returned to his father as a servant, not a son status, and was forgiven.

Our Heavenly Father forgives us of our sins whenever we ask. He wraps us in His love and mercy. His compassions fail not, but are new every morning. Great is God's faithfulness.

Friend, have you experienced this?

We must be on guard for our self-righteousness so it doesn't get in the way of rejoicing when others come to Jesus. We don't want to be like the Pharisees.

LET IT GO

How awesome You are, Heavenly Father!

Thank You for Your forgiveness, love, compassion, grace, and mercy.