The Other Son, Part 1

Last week we examined the story of the prodigal son.  Actually, to be more accurate, we spoke about the reaction of the Father toward the prodigal son.  Isn't it great to know that we all identified with the son at one point in our lives.  And Isn't it great to be the recipient of the Father's affections.

But did you notice that we did not say anything about the other brother.  I want you to consider the story.  Who does the prodigal son represent in the context of the story?  He represented that which was lost.  I know, I know, that as easy.  Well how about the Father?  Of course, another easy one, the Father represents our heavenly father.  But who does the other brother represent?  He represents the pharisees...the religious in the story.  And quite honestly, his parables portray a gruesome picture of the pharisees and the religious in our day as well.  Notice a couple of characteristics about the other brother that saddened the heart of the Father.

First, notice his complete lack of compassion.  This is evidenced by his displeasure toward Father's response to the prodigal's return.  The son refuses to come in and enjoy the festivities, instead he pouts and gives himself over to anger.  Isn't this the a similar response the pharisees have toward Jesus when they observed him eating with publicans and sinners.  They were angry that Jesus would waste his time on those kinds of people.  Can't you just hear the the disgust.

The pharisees had no compassion!  It's a similar condition found in the church today.  So what is the problem?  Is it that believer's don't know what to do?  No, we are the most educated society in history.  And even if we don't know, we can get the answer in a few keystrokes.  Is it that we are overly concerned about the sins of the world rubbing off on us if we associate with the ungodly?  Most believers I know are much more acquainted with sin than they would like to admit.  The reason is, we have lost compassion!  Jesus is constantly challenging us to look up and see the need in order that the need may affect our heart.

Jesus was challenging the pharisees' compassion for the lost.  If they, and we, can approach the lost and prodigal people with compassion, then maybe, just maybe, we will see them return to the family of God.

...More to come...