There are only two primary approaches to living – Tim Keller
Welcome to day five of exploring the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) as expounded by Tim Keller in his book The Prodigal God.
How have you been enjoying the series so far?
Keller makes a bold but compelling point: “The Prodigal Son” is a misleading title. He suggests a better name would be “The Two Lost Sons.”
Why? Because the story is just as much, if not more, about the older brother as it is about the younger one.
Most of us naturally focus on the younger brother, the “prodigal” one. However, both brothers represent different ways to be alienated from God and different ways to try to earn His acceptance.
The mistakes of the youngest son are clear: he openly and publicly rejected his father, wished him dead and then squandered all the wealth that was so graciously given to him.
But what exactly did the older brother do wrong? Keller explains:
He refuses to go in to what is perhaps the biggest feast and public event his father has ever put on. He remains outside the door, publicly casting a vote of no-confidence in his father’s actions.
The oldest son exclaimed, “Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders.” (Luke 15:29). Not only was this a disrespectful way for the boy to speak to his father, it revealed his heart.
Where the younger son thought he could access the father’s wealth by wishing him dead, the older one believed he had earned it with hard work and obedience.
Neither son truly loved the father for who he was—they both wanted what he could give them. They employed two different approaches; one rebelled, while the other performed.
The older brother may look way more righteous and justified, but his behaviour was just as painful for the father and equally alienating.
Let’s take a moment to reflect. Are there ‘older brother thoughts’ hidden away in your heart? I’ll share one of mine with you tomorrow.
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal yours to you today.
