The Other Brother

In this message, Pastor Byron preaches from Luke 15:25–32 on the “other brother” in the parable of the prodigal son. While the younger son’s rebellion and return reveal God’s grace to sinners, the older son exposes another danger—self-righteousness. Outwardly he stayed home, served, and obeyed, but inwardly he had no real relationship with the father. His jealousy, anger, and resentment toward his brother showed a heart far from grace.

Pastor Byron connects this to the Pharisees, who knew the law but did not know God. Like the elder brother, they resented Jesus for receiving sinners. The father’s plea to the older son illustrates God’s equal offer of mercy, but the choice to receive it must be made. Sadly, the Pharisees rejected that offer and ultimately crucified Christ.

The warning is clear: we can be religious, moral, and outwardly faithful yet still miss the Father’s love. True salvation is not in works but in knowing Christ personally.