Jesus, our TRUE Elder Brother

Do we all need an older brother?

I had one growing up, and we’ve since become pretty good friends, but that wasn’t always the case.  At just two years older than me, we competed (fought) a lot throughout our growing up years.  I was usually on the losing side of things.  Fortunately, (or unfortunately) I was also an older brother with two younger sisters.  I’d like to wax poetically how kind I was to them all of the time, but there are probably a few paragraphs out there about me being a less than ideal older brother.  

While we don’t all need an older brother, we do all need a rescuer…a savior.  

This past Sunday we considered Jesus as an older brother figure who rescues the rebellious younger brother.  He does so at the cost of public shame, financial loss and forgiveness over revenge.  Aren’t you glad Jesus chooses mercy over judgement?  

Will you?  How do you feel about forgiving those who have robbed you in some way?  Unfair just feels awful.  As George Hihn wisely commented during the equipping hour, “we aren’t talking about staying in abusive situations here, rather forgiveness of a person or sin”.    I find that I am judgemental instead of merciful when I forget about the Lord’s grace in my life.  

Matthew 18:21-35 is a Jesus story (parable) of a servant forgiven of a major debt yet unmerciful with a minor one against him.  Jesus relays by the end of the story that this person is given justice for squandering grace in his life.  

Let’s be grateful for our TRUE ELDER BROTHER, Jesus, and join His Spirit in search and rescue of lost brothers and sisters.  Who has God put on your heart to apply special grace and truth with this week?