The Older Brother (Luke 15:25-32) Questions for Discussion and Reflection

In Luke 15:29 the older brother declares to his father, “Look, these many years I have served you, and I have never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.”(ESV) Evaluate this older brother’s claim with Romans 1:22-23.

Read Luke 15:1-2. Who was present when Jesus told these three parables? Who would have naturally identified with the younger (prodigal) brother? Who would have naturally identified with the older brother?

Read Luke 18:18-23. Compare the prayer of the Pharisee in this parable with the attitude of the older brother in Luke 15. What similarities are there between this Pharisee’s view of God and the older brother’s view of his father?

What message do the following Scriptures have for the self-righteous?

Matthew 9:13—

Mark 2:17—

Luke 5:32—

John 9:39—

What is the Father’s heart toward the older brother? (Luke 15:28, 31)