Luke 15:11-32
The Other Son

His Part – a member of the household. Luke 15:11 “…a certain man had two sons.”
His Position – leadership of the family.
His Potential –
He had the power: the servants obeyed him.
He had the persistence: Luke 15:29 “…these many years do I serve thee…”
He had everything he needed to increase the inheritance. Luke 15:31 “…all that I have is thine.”

His part, position, and potential – he had everything necessary to live out a blessed life. One more thing we need to look at though, because the Lord gave us this account to help us in life by making us aware of –

His Problem – he surrendered to pride which bound him up with the ropes of jealousy. Can you imagine the change that took place in a moment at the end of the day, how that his anticipation was turned to anger, his joy to jealousy, his determination to disappointment and discouragement! – how he walked out into his fields in the morning, worked throughout the day with the expectation of of blessing, and then was robbed of it all by anger? His accomplishments had turned to ashes before his eyes and that which he believed he deserved was given to another, and not just another, but an ungrateful brother who he believed should have been met with recompence for his actions –

Proverbs 20:21 (KJV) An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

instead of being met by mercy and grace!

We must be thankful to the Lord every day for our part in His family, for our position to serve Him in the place He has prepared for us –
Ephesians 2:10 (KJV) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

– and for our potential knowing that everything we will ever need to live a life pleasing to Him, He has provided. We especially need to beware, though, of our problem. Pride and jealousy will rob us of our joy and destroy our testimony for the Lord. We are reminded of the dangers to God’s people in His Word –

John 21:20-21 (KJV) Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

This was not the first time Peter had brought up a question like this. Following the Lord’s discussion with the rich young man, Peter inquired –
Matthew 19:27 (KJV) Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?”

It happened to Peter, it can happen to us. Be careful and never let it be said that we resemble the other son –

Ephesians 4:31-32 (KJV) Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Let’s determine to reflect the loving father in our lives.