God Leaves the Party
God Leaves the Party
We often return to the greatest stories, works of art, or pieces of music because they reveal something new each time. The same is true of Scripture. One of the most profound examples is Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son—a story so familiar, yet so deep, that it continues to challenge us when we slow down and let it speak.
A Tale of Two Sons
The parable tells of a father with two sons. The younger son demands his inheritance early, squanders it in reckless living, and ends up at rock bottom. In humility, he returns home, only to be met with the overwhelming grace of his father who runs to him, embraces him, and throws a great feast.
But there’s another son. The elder brother never left home. He followed the rules, worked faithfully, and lived righteously. Yet when his younger brother is welcomed back, he refuses to join the celebration. Instead, he stays outside, furious and resentful.
“I’ve slaved for you all these years. I never disobeyed, yet you never gave me even a goat. But when this son of yours comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him.”
The younger son was lost in rebellion. The older son was lost in religion. Both wanted the father’s blessings without truly wanting the father himself.
Lost in Religion
This is what makes elder brother lostness so dangerous. While the rebellious know they’ve strayed, the self-righteous often don’t realize they’re lost at all. Like a patient unaware of their illness, they never seek healing.
Self-righteousness whispers: I’ve earned this. I deserve better. God owes me. Over time, obedience becomes less about love for the Father and more about earning His things. It’s a self-salvation plan.
And the truth is, this spirit can sneak into any of us. Do we insist on being right? Do we scrutinize others while ignoring our own faults? Do we believe our good life should secure God’s blessings? These are the signs of elder brother lostness.
The God Who Leaves the Party
Here’s the good news: the father goes out to both sons. He runs to meet the rebel. And he leaves the party to plead with the self-righteous.
This is grace. A God who will not let either child remain outside, but pursues both in love.
Think about it:
God leaves the party to find us in rebellion.
God leaves the party to find us in religion.
Jesus doesn’t finish the story. We’re left with a cliffhanger: Does the elder brother go in, or does he remain outside? That’s the question for us today.
A New Kind of Community
When both rebels and religious recognize their lostness, both can be found. That’s the beginning of transformation—receiving God’s grace for our rebellion and for our goodness.
This creates a new kind of community:
Not built on pride or performance.
Not defined by politics, morality, or accomplishments.
But centered on this truth: I was lost. Now I am found. I am deeply lost, infinitely loved, forever found.
That’s the identity of God’s people. That’s the kind of community God forms—those who know they were pursued by a Father who left the party for them.
Your Invitation
So what about you? Are you outside the celebration, clinging to rebellion or religion? Or will you join the feast of grace?
The Father is still leaving the party to come after you. Trust Him today.
