Thursday Devo
Scripture:
Luke 15:28-32
28 “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, 29 but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’
31 “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’ ”
28 “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, 29 but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’
31 “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’ ”
Commentary:
15:28 He was angry mirrors the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes (v. 2).
15:29 but he answered his father. The older brother protests that the welcome extended to the returning younger son is not fair, likening life with his father to years of servitude without celebration. The picture offers a sharp contrast between, on one hand, the mercy and grace extended by the father (representing God the Father) and, on the other hand, the self-righteous resentment (never disobeyed … yet you never gave me) of the older brother (exemplified by the Pharisees).
15:30 this son of yours. The older brother refuses to acknowledge the prodigal as his brother.
15:31 Son. An affectionate appeal by the father, showing that he still loved the older son and wanted him to join in the celebration. By implication, Jesus is still inviting the Pharisees to repent and accept the good news.
15:29 but he answered his father. The older brother protests that the welcome extended to the returning younger son is not fair, likening life with his father to years of servitude without celebration. The picture offers a sharp contrast between, on one hand, the mercy and grace extended by the father (representing God the Father) and, on the other hand, the self-righteous resentment (never disobeyed … yet you never gave me) of the older brother (exemplified by the Pharisees).
15:30 this son of yours. The older brother refuses to acknowledge the prodigal as his brother.
15:31 Son. An affectionate appeal by the father, showing that he still loved the older son and wanted him to join in the celebration. By implication, Jesus is still inviting the Pharisees to repent and accept the good news.
Questions:
- The first takeaway from Sunday was that the RELIGIOUS son must REPENT of his SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS. In the parable, the older son, the one who hadn't squandered his inheritance, is incredulous at his father's response to the son who had sinned against him. He is enraged and refuses to join the festivities. Here is the irony: The brother who had been on the outside is now on the inside, while the brother who had been on the inside is now on the outside. This has been a theme of Jesus teaching. The religious think they are worthy and righteous, and the ones who know they are in rebellion realize they aren't worthy. No one gets into the Father's house by pleading their own worthiness. Only those who acknowledge their unworthiness will get there. What does this saying mean to you... "It's easier to reach the one in the pigs than the one in the pew." How do we keep our hearts from turning self-righteous?
- Another theme of Jesus' teaching, especially to the Pharisees, was humility. This is something the older brother lacked. But, if we're being honest, it's easy to see why he reacted this way. Most of us would feel the same way! But the true follower doesn't assume worthiness before God or that he owes us anything. To follow Jesus faithfully we must have hearts full of humility and gratitude for all God has done for us, and hearts full of grace, love and patience for others in our lives. How grateful are you today for what God has delivered you from? How can you pass that on to someone else? Who in your life needs some grace from you?
Pray:
- That you would resist become self-righteous.
- That you would walk in humility and grace.
City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
2. Are there sources outside the Bible that confirm the Biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead? Many Roman and Jewish historians have confirmed that the apostles died as martyrs for preaching that they saw Jesus risen from the grave. No one dies for something they know to be a lie.
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)
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