“I have worked so hard trying to please you. I labored like a slave my whole life for you from daylight to sunset and even into the night. Just name one thing you have asked me to do that I did not do. And now this! How could you,” shouted the angry man. In contrast, the recipient of these bitter accusations responded with words of love and kindness begging the man to understand and change his mind. Altercations like this happen in multiple situations and settings everyday but usually both sides are shouting. The above clash based on Jesus’ parable of the lost son, now turns to the elder brother.
The younger son returned home after going it alone and ending up broke, homeless, and hungry. The father welcomed him and a celebration was underway. People do not need to leave to go it alone. The elder son lived in the father’s house but in reality, he was home alone. Despite remaining in geographic proximity of his father, it appears no closeness existed in their relationship.
The younger son left his father’s house seeking, now he discovered everything he wanted back in his father’s house—clothes, food, joy, love, fellowship, and true friends. All this and more was available to the older brother at any time. Yet, he perceived his father as a master, giving commands, and demanding work instead of embracing him as a loving father and enjoying his blessings. He was not a slave or laborer; he was a son. Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God (Gal 4:7). Legally, he owned everything because the father divided the inheritance between the two sons with the elder son receiving two-thirds. So he divided his wealth between them (Luke 15:12). It appears he never accepted his portion.
Living in the same house but ‘home alone’ describes many households. Husbands and wives can live under the same roof, but have no relationship because the husband is always working to give the wife material possessions he incorrectly thinks she wants or vice versa. Elder couples married for decades live in the same house, but lose their relationship with each other. Pastor’s children often resent Christianity because their parents were always gone doing church work leaving no time for family bonding. Even more heartbreaking is when this scenario occurs between a Christian and the heavenly Father. The parable’s primary purpose focuses on the father’s relationship with the older son. Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and scribes over their criticism about his willingness to associate with sinners and tax collectors. The older brother portrays the Pharisees and scribes; both worked hard and obeyed the father’s commands yet lacked a relationship with him.
My journey in ministry brought me in contact with ministers who could be the elder brother’s clone. They labor non-stop seeking God’s approval. I observed an acquaintance work himself to the point of bad health trying to please the Father. He got up early and labored until late night, but never felt he did enough to earn the Father’s approval. He was always doing for God, but I knew he lacked an intimate relationship with the Lord. Surveys conducted across denominations indicate pastors pray an average of five minutes per day. They toil for the God but leave no time for fellowship with Him. Martha labored in the kitchen while Mary sat listening to Jesus.
This danger applies to every Christian. Believers can attend church, give, volunteer for every work related church ministry, and lack fellowship with Christ. The Lord God created man and woman for a relationship with Him. Earning the Father’s approval came through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Jesus told the church at Ephesus, I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance . . . you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake . . . But I have this against you, that you have left your first love, (Rev 2-4). The first love was based on a relationship. In other words, it seems the Ephesians lost their intimacy with Christ because they were too busy working.
Jesus is not condemning work in the Kingdom. Rather, he admonishes the Pharisees and scribes for their overemphasis of works reducing worship to ritualistic routines lacking any spiritual connection to the Father. The incarnate God, Jesus, sat in their presence, and they missed it because they were disturbed He accepted people who did not meet their standards. The elder son missed experiencing fellowship with his father, celebrating with the village over his brother’s return, co-hosting this feast, all the amenities he left unclaimed, rest from all his labor, his two-thirds of the wealth and more. His younger brother fell short of his standards. None of our labors will produce any greater acceptance by the Father. Jesus completed that for us. As His children, He longs for a relationship with us. We will find all we have searched for in Him.
Sustaining Word for the Week: No need to go it alone or stand home alone because He provides all you need. Stop laboring to receive God’s approval. You are already accepted. Come and celebrate with the Father.