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The Plainer Truth about . . .
The Brother of the Prodigal Son


The Plainer Truth about . . .
The Brother of the Prodigal Son

 

What is known as the "parable of the prodigal son" is found in Luke 15:11-32. The word prodigal is used here to denote someone who wastefully, foolishly spends his money on wild, reckless living.

The parable begins with the youngest (prodigal) son getting from his father, in advance, his half of the family inheritance. After receiving his inheritance the son travels to a far country and spends what he received on partying and fulfilling his lusts.

When the prodigal son finally realizes how foolishly he behaved he humbly returns home. His father, much to his surprise, accepts him back with open arms and throws a party to celebrate his return. The prodigal son's older brother hears noise coming from the house and, after discovering a party was being held for his younger brother, becomes very angry. He refuses to go near the celebration. The father entreats his oldest son not to be anger by saying:

"And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine" (Luke 15:31).

The father wanted his eldest son to rejoice that his brother was home. The father had to remind his firstborn son that even though his younger brother had repented and returned home that he (the older brother) would inherit all his wealth.

Although the meek shall inherit the earth (Psalm 37:11, Matthew 5:5) not everyone is going to inherit or receive the same thing after being saved and resurrected.

"Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son (physical Israel): for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman (the church)" (Galatians 4:30).

"And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob" (Romans 11:26).

"I (Jesus) send thee . . . that they (gentiles) may receive forgiveness . . . and inheritance among them which are sanctified . . ." (Acts 26:15-18).

Yes, all will be saved, but all will not have the authority of inheritance like the prodigal son's oldest brother. There will be different rewards given even to those now called and who are in the first resurrection.

"And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities" (Luke 19:17).

"Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward" (2John 1:8).

Written by:  Bill Hillebrenner
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Contact Information
The Plainer Truth
Bill Hillebrenner
bhille777 "at" gmail.com
 
 


 
  
 
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