Issues, Etc. The Parable of the Prodigal Son, Part 3 – Bryan Wolfmueller, 1/22/26 (0221)
Jan 22, 2026
Bryan Wolfmueller, Lutheran pastor and author of Finally Free, offers a brisk tour of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. He unpacks the father’s confrontation with the older son, pride as a form of slavery, and surprising mercy that upends expectations. Short, vivid scenes explore repentance, forgiveness, and the open challenge Jesus leaves to religious self-righteousness.
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Pride Keeps People From The Feast
- The older son's attitude shows pride locking people out of the Father's joy and grace.
- Jesus aims this at scribes and Pharisees whose self-righteousness isolates them from salvation.
You Already Have Everything
- The father had already given the elder son everything, but the son couldn't see it because he measured by earning.
- Pride makes him view himself as a servant rather than a son, unable to receive gifts by grace.
Pride Makes You The Hero Of Your Story
- Pride is delicate, defensive, judgmental, and transactional; it makes us the hero of our own story.
- Christianity demands stepping off that pedestal so Christ can be the Savior and we the saved.
