Homecoming: Older Brother

2020-09-20

by Rev. Grant ArmstrongSunday, September 20, 2020Luke 15:11-32Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. It’s the distance of the heart, not just the body, that makes someone lost. II. Older brothers keep away from the celebration and pretend they’re being excluded. III. Jesus makes it clear that the Father’s love is not earned, but given freely. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Where are you in your family's birth order: oldest, middle,...

by Rev. Grant Armstrong
Sunday, September 20, 2020
Luke 15:11-32
Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC

SERMON NOTES

I. It’s the distance of the heart, not just the body, that makes someone lost.

II. Older brothers keep away from the celebration and pretend they’re being excluded.

III. Jesus makes it clear that the Father’s love is not earned, but given freely.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

- Where are you in your family's birth order: oldest, middle, youngest or only child?

- What would make someone want to stay busy in service instead of joining the celebrations? How can those be used as excuses?

- Describe a time when you felt hurt when someone received a kindness you felt you deserved. Was your hurt justified?

- Both brothers wanted their father's gifts and favor, but neglected the relationship. How can the church behave like the older brother?

- Where do you need to accept and celebrate God's generosity for others today? What's holding you back?

- What is God saying to you through today's scripture?