Marketplace Bible Study

Parable of the Prodigal Son: The Older Son

In the second part of Pastor Jamie Rasmussen's series on the parable of the prodigal son, Jamie brings a very transparent story about his life, and how at times he has struggled with being "the older son".

You see, the older son has always been the obedient, dutiful son.  But when he sees lavish, grace-filled love poured upon his irresponsible brother, he is filled with anger and jealousy.

Jamie has pointed out that we can all, at times, be the prodigal son, but another striking lesson from this story is the response of the older brother, and the father's response to him.

Jamie:

"We know that we're struggling with being an "older brother" when we find anger and resentment at the blessings of others."

Listen as Jamie explains:

Parable of the Prodigal Son, the Older Son

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Parable of the Prodigal Son: The Younger Son, Part 2

In part 1b, of Pastor Jamie Rasmussen's series on the prodigal son, he wraped up this particular part of the series with a mindblowing display of love on God's part.

The prodigal son had squandered his inheritance on wine, women, and song to the point to where he was longing to have at least pig's food to fill his belly.

It is at this point that he makes a decision to return to his father.

Jamie asked, "When you (himself included) run from God, what is it going to take to turn you back to your senses?

Will it be:

• painful and crushing circumstances?
• the dark night of the soul (unwanted anxiety, depression, fear, etc.)?
• loss (loss of loved one, job, etc)?
• a conscience choice or realization that I am not what I think I am?

Listen to Jamie explain God's most surprising response when we as prodigals do in fact turn back to our father:

Parable of the Podigal Son - Younger Son, Part 2

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Parable of the Prodigal Son: The Younger Son, Part 1

Pastor Jamie Rasmussen has started a new series on the parable of the prodigal son found in Luke chapter 15.

Jamie started out sharing that this parable became a watershed event in his life when he years ago read the book The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming , by Henri J. M. Nouwen. 

Rembrandt's painting of "The Prodigal Son" (pictured to the right) made a significant impact on Nouwen's life. 

In fact, so significant was the impact, he was able to procur a four-hour private showing of the painting in St. Petersbury, Russia to let the original minister to his soul.

As Jamie begins this series, he had two points to share with us:

1. Whether we like it or not, or admit it or not, most of us run from God at one time or another.
2. That when we do run away from God, something generally has to wake us up in order to turn us back to God.

Listen as Pastor Jamie Rasmussen shares the story of the younger son, and see if you don't find a little of his rebellion in your heart:

Prodigal Son - The Younger Son, Part 1

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