Lesson 1 - The Fishers of Men Ministries

6. Reaction of the elder brother.a. a. The elder brother was jealous of his father’s affection, and kept looking atthe unworthiness of hisyounger brother, :28-30.b, The father reminded the elder son of all the blessings he received frombeing always with his father, :31.c. The father reminded him that the younger son was his brother, and that hewas lost, and is found, thereforeit is right to rejoice, :32.III. Consideration and Application of the Parable1.God’s Unconditional Love!!The father loved both the faithful (jealous) older son and the rebellious (repentant)younger son. He rejoicedbecause of the return of the younger son, who had been lost from his family, andwas now found, who had bedead in sin, but had now repented and returned to his father, Lk 15:7, 32. Such isGod’s love. Can you be happyfor the way God blesses and loves others, or do you think of yourself and whatyou deserve first?2. God’s Love… for the lostGod looks with great compassion on the lost, and wants them to repentand return to him, Lk 15:20; Mt 15:32; 2 Pet 3:9.As the father, God will wait, watch and ultimately forgive the repentant. Will youhave the same heart? Will you act likeJesus and seek the lost, Lk 19:10?3. God’s Love… never failingGod will not fail to receive His children, if we repent and turn to Him.Rom 8:27-35, 1 Jn 1:5-10. Will you continue to havea repentant spirit, 2 Cor 7:9-11?4. God’s Love… or counterfeit loveInitially the son settled for a fake love, the love of friends when you have money.Why do people waste their lives oncheap love, i.e. sex, money, and power? How have these counterfeit types of lovehurt or destroyed people you know,1 Jn 2:15-17; Js 1:12-22?.IV. Memory Verses - Lk 15:31-32