The Elder Brother of the Lost Son Ref : Luke 15

             

In order to illustrate the sinners repentance and God’s acceptance , Jesus explains three parables. Out of  them , the third one points out towards a real family life story. The story is quite popular . The younger son demands his share from his father . When he was given the share  , he had squandered all and came back to his father in real repentance . Unconditionally, the father accepts him. Father  was really happy to get his son back. From the earlier illustrations ( The lost sheep and the ten coins)it is quite clear that  the acceptance of a sinner is based on repentance. God’s grace was illustrated here with much  clarity. In the earlier two illustration Jesus said” In the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” 

We are really interested in the second part of the story . The elder son  who was  staying with father. If we look in to the story ,the motives of the elder son is quite clear . He wanted more material possession from his father . He was quite unhappy about the arrival of  his younger brother . He  must have many selfish thoughts , particularly regarding property matters .He was grumbling over many things . He expresses his discontent when the father accepts his younger brother  with much pomp  . In spite of having  freedom in the home  , he complaints . Bitterness , anger, jealousy  and all sort of negative attitudes were  his real nature exposed outwardly .

But , the father, in spite of all negative attitude of his son  , calls him “son”!. The father never expressed his discontents or anger towards either of his children .The typical father depicts the heavenly Father . Right from old covenant to the new covenant , God never questioned man’s freedom. Dear brothers and sisters , our God is a Holy God , man can not stand in front of him with his own righteousness . The written covenant , if it reduces as mere letters  it kills . Paul says   “  The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life”. 2 Cor 3:6 “ . The laws are good , they  give  the knowledge of sin . God knows, the mere knowledge of sin has become  real curse for many . The writer  of Hebrew says “For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said  "The time is coming, declares the Lord, I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts Heb 8: 7-10. Here, laws are free from fault but people are at fault .

In the  story , the elder son who doesn’t need  repentance ,represents majority of us . When people look to them , they may  get appreciation . This sort of people are considered responsible group  in the society according to human judgments. Dear brothers  , our God is kind enough to place us under the  new covenant.  In this New Covenant of blood , we have been placed under the GRACE .The elder son represents the followers of the Old Covenant . The second son of course, represents the New Covenant followers . The first one thought ,he was  strictly following  the laws .But God knows  his inability in keeping  them . It is a question towards us , are we under grace or should we think of a self style life? . Our God doesn’t compel us ,but He is kind enough to direct us . There is no meaning in debating  over something that never win. I thank my  Lord for he has kept me under  grace .I also understand ,His grace is not meant for go  on sinning in order to increase the grace .