The Unbelief of the Elder Son
(Luke 15:25-30)
Chapter 15 of the Gospel of Luke tells the story of the prodigal son, revealing God's love for the lost and His desire to bring them back. We often think of the younger son, who left his father's house and squandered his inheritance, as the only prodigal. However, there was another prodigal in the same household?the elder son. Although he stayed in his father's house, he lived a dry, formal life, failing to truly understand the depth of his father's love.
1. A life of judging others
Unlike his younger brother, who took his father’s inheritance and wasted it in reckless living, the elder son remained at home, diligently working and fulfilling his responsibilities. However, there was neither joy nor satisfaction in his heart, and his spirit was deeply troubled. He was firmly convinced that he was always exemplary, righteous, and correct, unlike his younger brother, which led him to judge and condemn his sibling. Placing oneself at the center of everything, viewing one’s own thoughts and judgments as absolute, and criticizing others is a form of spiritual pride, which our Lord forbids (Matthew 7:1-2). Instead of holding onto hatred and casting stones of condemnation rooted in self-righteousness, we are called to lay them down and live with forgiveness and love.

2. A life of anger
　　　One day, as the elder son returned from working in the field, he heard the sound of music and celebration coming from the house. His younger brother, who had left, had returned, and their father, in his joy, had thrown a great feast in his honor. However, instead of rejoicing at his brother’s return, the elder son became angry and refused to enter the house, protesting to his father (Luke 15:28, 30). He was displeased and upset by his father's loving treatment of his brother. Those who respond with anger and frustration when things don’t go according to their expectations reflect the same attitude as the elder son. As Christians, we are called to be compassionate and understanding, demonstrating kindness and thoughtfulness toward others in our lives.

3. The son who challenged his father’s love
The father encouraged the elder son, who was standing outside, to come into the house with him. However, the elder son responded with resentment and complaints, accusing his father of being unfair (Luke 15:29). This reaction was an attempt to justify his anger and revealed a distorted, negative perception of his father. Though he may have seemed dutiful on the surface, he was spiritually barren, refusing to forgive his brother and criticizing his father’s love. A lack of love lies at the root of all the world's problems. As followers of Christ, we are called to keep Jesus at the center, united in love and practicing forgiveness. Our prayer is to be a church that pleases God, growing in love and revival as we put love into action.