Issues, Etc. The Parable of the Prodigal Son, Part 1 – Bryan Wolfmueller, 1/9/26 (0093)
Jan 9, 2026
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller, a Lutheran pastor and author of "Finally Free," dives into the profound themes of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. He emphasizes the often-overlooked perspective of the elder son and links the parable to Jesus’ interactions with the Pharisees. Wolfmueller explores the astonishing mercy of the father and the three enslaving patterns of both sons – hedonism, despair, and pride. He challenges listeners to grasp God's invitation to rejoice, revealing how both sons struggle with their identities as children of the father.
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Elder Son Is The Parable's Pivot
- Jesus places the elder son at the end of Luke 15 to break the lost-found-joy pattern and focus attention on the self-righteous.
- The parable answers Pharisaical grumbling by inviting them to share the joy over sinners who repent.
Mercy Provokes Joy Or Bitterness
- God's mercy to the undeserving provokes either joyful rejoicing or bitter grumbling among onlookers.
- The parable intends to awaken 'angelic joy' that delights when mercy reaches others, even enemies.
Three Slaveries And Freedoms
- The parable maps three enslavements and corresponding freedoms across its characters.
- Those are: hedonistic slavery (belly) → contrition → despair-slavery → faith → proud-servant slavery → joy in others' mercy.
