LESSON INTRODUCTION
Today we are examining how the older brother’s perspective reveals how dangerous hidden resentment and performance-based thinking can be in our daily lives. While he stayed home and followed all the rules, his heart was actually miles away from his father.
Discussion Outline
We are looking at the parable of the Lost son (the Prodigal Son), for the lessons which could help us face setbacks.
Read Luke 15:11-32
- How would you describe being Physically present and Emotionally present?
- How would you describe a Covenant relationship and a Contractual Relationship?
- With reference to your answer above, how would you describe the type of relationship the boys have with their Father and the Father had with His boys?
- Did the older brother serve his Father out of a sense of duty or love?
- what type of expectation did he have as a result of his “obedience” and service to his father, Reward or Inheritance?
He had a sense of Self Righteousness leading to Resentment. He complained about never getting a young goat, completely forgetting that everything the father owns is already his. Some of the signs of his Resentment include
- Comparison with his brother’s past actions
- Dehumanizing his brother
- Refusing to Celebrate his brother’s return
Conclusion
Guard Against Hidden Resentment.
- Celebrate others’ wins: Reject jealousy when someone else gets recognized or rewarded.
- Check your motives: Avoid doing good deeds purely for validation, praise, or transactional rewards.
- Appreciate what you have: Recognize your current blessings instead of focusing on what others receive.
If we accept things without Critical thinking without question or without evidence we are not only ignorant we are immoral.
