The Resentful Pharisee

This week we watch Jesus confront the resentful Pharisee in us as we look at the elder brother in the parable of the Prodigal Son. The elder brother in the parable embodies the Pharisee’s struggle with joyless obedience and resentful faithfulness. He obeyed the Father’s rules but missed the Father’s heart. Jesus confronts us to invite us back into the celebration of grace and to trade our resentment for rejoicing and rediscover the joy of extended mercy to others.