Use this space to take your general notes during the message.

Today as we wrap up our series on the Prodigal Son, our focus shifts to the older brother, who in his own way was even more lost than his younger brother. So, let's pick up the story where the older brother is introduced. Read the following passage together.

The older brother didn't want to welcome his brother home, much less throw a celebration. What feelings and thoughts do you believe he was battling?

Most of us have more in common with the older brother than we like to admit. We've all looked at someone or a group of people and have had the thought "they don't deserve 'that'" or "they didn't earn 'that'". Share a time in which you struggled in such a way.

The older brother's focus was on fairness, which brewed into anger and bitterness. But, pride is the root of his reaction. Pride says "I deserve 'that'". Pride keeps score. Let's dig deep...how have you seen this in yourself?

*You make it all about you. Pride makes it near impossible to view messy situations through a non biased lens. Neither brother deserved or earned their inheritance; they were born into it. The younger brother wasted it; the older brother took credit for it. Both were wrong because they both received grace from the father. How does this resonate with you?

It's interesting how Jesus ended this story to the Pharisees... and to us. Ultimately, as Christ followers, we are to choose the Heart of the Father, one full of compassion and celebration. We are to be stewards of God's grace, not just recipients. Take time to read through the following verses. How do you think the Pharisees felt hearing these words? How do they land with you?

Prayerfully think of "that person" or "those people" that you struggle with. How can you choose the Heart of the Father for them? What are your next steps?