Luke 15:25-32, The Sins of the Older Brother

The Sins of the Older Brother, Luke 15:25-32

A. The Sin of a Negative Spirit (v. 28). Upon hearing his brother was safe and sound, one would expect him to rejoice.

1. His is an opposite reaction of resentment and outright anger!

2. Notice that he attacks his dad and justifies himself (just like the Pharisees whom he depicted)!

3. He will not go into the house.

a. He shared his father's house but not his father's heart.

b. He is so close to his father yet so far away from him.

c. He would rather not have fellowship with his father than to accept his father's acceptance of his brother.

4. The sin of a negative spirit distorts our view on what is important in life.

B. The Sin of Self-Righteousness (vv. 29, 30)

1. The problem: “I”

a. I serve

b. Neither transgressed I

c. I might make merry

d. My friends

2. He was self-righteous.

3. What self-righteousness, offended spirit did to him:

a. Made him grumble when it was time to glory (vv. 28, 29)

b. Made him exaggerate his own righteousness (v. 29)

c. Made him feel sorry for himself (v. 29)

d. Made him forget all he had as a son of the father (v. 31)

C. The Sin of Hard Heart (unforgiveness) (v. 30)

1. Why was the prodigal’s brother unmoved by his return?

a. Notice not "this brother of mine!"

b. The elder brother in essence "disowns" his younger brother: “this thy son.”

c. And then he proceeds to criticize him with a cascade of accusations.

2. He didn’t care about his missing brother

a. He not only lacks love for his brother but also for his father.

b. (1 John 2:9-11)