The Scandal Of The Kingdom: The Older Brother // Luke 15:11-13, 17-20, 25-32 - Naseem Khalili

In 'The Prodigal God', Timothy Keller delves into the parable of the Prodigal Son to uncover the heart of the Christian gospel. He argues that the parable is not just about the wayward younger son, but also about the moralistic elder son and the Father's lavish love for both. Keller redefines key concepts such as sin, lostness, and hope, showing that both the irreligious and the moralistic are spiritually lost but equally loved by God. The book challenges readers to see Christianity in a new light, emphasizing the gospel's message of hope and salvation for all people[2][4][5].

In this book, Henri Nouwen reflects on Rembrandt’s painting of the Prodigal Son, using it as a lens to explore the classic parable. He delves into the several movements of the parable, including the younger son’s return, the father’s restoration of sonship, the elder son’s resentfulness, and the father’s compassion. Nouwen’s meditation is deeply personal, drawing from his own life experiences and spiritual struggles, and it highlights themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation. The book is structured into three major parts: The Prodigal Son, The Older Son, and The Father, through which Nouwen finds himself in each of these roles, ultimately leading to a stage of spiritual maturity[1][3][4].