Q2. Lost Son

[Pastor Ralph]

Q2. (Luke 15:11-32) What does this parable have in common with the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? What does the parable tell us about our Father’s way of operating and his values? In what ways does the older son hold his father’s values? In what ways does he lack them? What should disciples learn from this parable to equip them for ministry?

[Christopher Olamiji Taiwo]

On 4/22/2023 at 12:57 AM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q2. (Luke 15:11-32) What does this parable have in common with the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? What does the parable tell us about our Father’s way of operating and his values? In what ways does the older son hold his father’s values? In what ways does he lack them? What should disciples learn from this parable to equip them for ministry?

This parable and the Parables of the Lost Sheep and lost coin are the same because both parables expressed the love and grace of God for His children. 

The parable tells us that our father's way of operating and values are different from our way of operation. 

The older son holds his father's values as call for because of his self righteousness and he lacks value of love for his brother. 

The disciples should learn the parable to equip them for the ministry so that they will understand that they must accept those repentance souls and show them love. 

[Violette]

The Father's heart for his lost son, who had strayed, just like the one sheep and the lost coin. Back into God's fold.

It teaches us that God's ways are the best ways.

The older brother is self righteous and doesn't agree that his brother should have been so esteemed by his father. He lacks mercy and grace and forgiveness. We as disciple's must embrace people who have left the church  or other people who repent, as the father did with love and compassion. 

[Janzie]

On 4/21/2023 at 8:57 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q2. (Luke 15:11-32) What does this parable have in common with the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? What does the parable tell us about our Father’s way of operating and his values? In what ways does the older son hold his father’s values? In what ways does he lack them? What should disciples learn from this parable to equip them for ministry?

That the Father is looking for lost sinners and when they are found, come back to Him, He rejoices! 

The Father operates with love and compassion, forgiveness, grace and mercy.

He holds his fathers values in wanting to live a righteous life.

He lacks them in his attitude, jealousy and in thinking he was better than his brother.

We are to seek after the lost and tell them of our testimony, what Jesus did for us in taking our sin and that we can be free. God is willing to receive them with open arms and they too can receive Christ in their hearts and that they can be delivered.

[Bianca]

God heart is Always for the lost. He is very excited over one person turning towards him or returning. It means just that much to him. God places a High value on a soul. If one strays or starts to stray he definitely is going to try to bring them back not just let them go and not even try. That's how loving he is and how deeply he cares about people. God doesn't force people to accept Jesus or do right. He doesn't even force us his own children to do right but he will definitely warn and try in different ways to bring them to Jesus. 

 

The older son remain with his Father and honored his Father instead of going out and doing what the younger brother did. The older son lack his Father values because he looked at his works and everything he did for his Father. Instead the brother should have been looking at his younger brother and being thankful that he is alive , that nothing worse came on his younger brother and his brother came to his senses and he is ready to do right. These are the things the older brother should have looked at and focus on. 

 

We should not have self righteous ways and looked to our works (which may be good) but still we must realize and remember that it is by God's grace and mercy we are at the place we are at and should remember that when we look at others and not look down on them no matter what they done. God is a good and loving God and he loves us all. We must have his forgiving heart towards others. 

[Sister Evelyn]

This parable and the other two have in common that Our Loving Father wishes for no one to be lost. Again, God is a Merciful, Compassionate and Loving Father that loves His children. Even though the father grated his young wish, I truly believe that father knew there was going to be a lesson learn from all this. In the end the lost son came back, repented and his father welcome him with open arms. It was also a lesson don't take for granted for what you have. Be content with what you have. Like Our heavenly Father He took will welcome us back with open arms when we repent. The young thought that his money was his value. When all the time His father values of giving him the best at home was right in front of him. A good father who wanted the best for his sons.

I can understand the older son feeling jealous, but he value his father and would of never done what his younger brother did. He really didn't understand what grace, mercy and compassion was all about. But his father reassured him that he was also valuable to him.

We all make mistakes. We all fall short of the glory of God. But when we truly come to our senses and realize what is wrong we c an come to the Throne of Grace and Repent and ask for Forgiveness. The lines to heaven are open 24/7. We are not to judge but help the lost find their way back to God in a loving way. This is what Ministry is all about being Jesus eyes, mouth and feet to help reach the lost.

[cynthia G]

The lost sheep and coin represent something was lost but now is found .Even through the lost son didn't wait to inherited his portion from his father he wants his then so his dad gave it to him and his other brother but the lost some waste his money and when it was gone all his socalled friends turn there back on him so he had no other chose to get a job feeding pigs and he thought about his father servants had more food than him. So his was going to ask his father to be a hired servants because he wasn't worth to be called his son . But his father saw him afar off and run and kiss him and called to his servants bring a robe and clothed him put a ring on his finger and killed the fatter cow. And the oldest son hear all the noise and ask the servant what is going on and the servant said your brother once was dead but now is alive and he got mad at his father and said not once did I disobey you and u never killed a fatter cow for me. And his father said son all this is yours but rejoice because your brother who was dead is not alive.We can learn to never judge nobody. And to learn to love everybody and show compassion and kindest towards everybody.And to ministry God words the way Jesus Christ taught his disciples. So really nobody is to far gone off the path that God can't turn them around and used them.

[Kimmy]

Q2. (Luke 15:11-32) What does this parable have in common with the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin?

Someone was lost, but now is found.

What does the parable tell us about our Father’s way of operating and his values?

God rejoices when someone repents, He opens his arms and without question, accepts us. The Prodigal repents and admits that he has done wrong by God and his earthly father opens his arms rejoicing without question.

In what ways does the older son hold his father’s values?

He stayed on the property working after he had received his share of the wealth. He valued the property/his inheritance.

In what ways does he lack them? He doesn’t understand how important it is that his brother repented and returned home like his dad understands these.   He lacks forgiveness and is focused on himself.

What should disciples learn from this parable to equip them for ministry? Always rejoice when someone returns and repents. Don’t hold a grudge because you had been hurt by their actions in the past.  See the importance of forgiveness and rejoicing.

[garymerkel]

Q2. (Luke 15:11-32) What does this parable have in common with the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? What does the parable tell us about our Father’s way of operating and his values? In what ways does the older son hold his father’s values? In what ways does he lack them? What should disciples learn from this parable to equip them for ministry?

1. The eternal value of each lost person.  If "lost" sheep and coins are worthy of diligent search, O my, how much more lost souls.

2. God, our Father, planned before the foundation of the universe to search for us, lost, disobedient, and undone...by coming to this earth to take our place on the cross, taking into Himself our eternal punishment, rightfully due, yet offering us forgiveness and cleansing of our souls through free choice.  Our lives are priceless to God because HE created us.

3. The older son worked hard for his father.

4. The older son worked hard in order to get, not because he deeply loved his father.

5. Expect rejection, ridicule, indifference, BUT, NEVER stop loving with God's love and reaching out with His love, because of Who He is and What He has done for us.  It is our privileged obligation to cooperate with God in His mission in reaching out to the lost with His great salvation.  Be patient, God knows the best timing for people to respond to the gospel.  Be expectant, but patient.  Pray earnestly as the father of the sons obviously did.  Ask for the heart of God, then stay active, even in waiting, when we share the gospel.  GOD saves, GOD gives the increase.  We are successful in God's eyes when we obey, through His love, His call to bear witness of His saving, redeeming grace.  Lastly, pray for laborers, influencers for our children and grandchildren.  Who knows who might have witnessed to the wayward son.

[Gail Petherick]

Q2. (Luke 15:11-32) What does this parable have in common with the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin?

The Shepherd and the widow did all they could to find the missing sheep and coin/s whilst int eh Prodigal parable, The father waited for the son to come home and always was looking down the driveway, with great longing and  hoping his lost son would come home.

What does the parable tell us about our Father’s way of operating and his values?

The Father never gave up loving his son and never  disowned him or judged him for his failures. Instead he kept his arms open in love, waiting for the son to realise he had chosen the wrong way in life (the way of sin  and waste) and that he needed to come back to rejoin his true family and repent.

In what ways does the older son hold his father’s values?

The older son was dutiful and faithful to his father and values of hard work and leading an honest life, which were righteous values.

In what ways does he lack them?

The older brother lacked empathy a and  understanding and forgiveness. Instead of showing g forgiveness to his younger brother he was very   angry and judged him for his wrong doing (legalism) and didn't forgive. The eldest brother was following  the example of the  pharisees and showed no mercy. Whereas the father wanted his son to be safe ad home and forgiven, the eldest son would have been glad to see his younger bother shut out and suffering (I think his heart was hardened towards the younger brother)

What should disciples learn from this parable to equip them for ministry?

We should never judge others as God says 'judge not, les ye be judged' and 'do unto others as you want done to you.' That means g forgive others and let God do any judging at the end of the persons life and don't  take Gods   place. Also this parable taught the disciples to do all they could to see just one should saved and never give up on anyone. The disciples were being shown what true compassion is like in action ad also were seeing how sacrifice is needed   should be when serving others, and how its wrong to judge anyone at all. (I have a nephew who is just off drugs for 8 months  and pray on for him - he has been in hospital over 80 times and this has been the mercy of  God. God wont give up on him;  I wont either. His brother is still on ice and now approx 50yr and has  gone to live in t he street. I pray on for him too. These parables reminded me to have compassion and never judge and leave each one in God's hands as He loves them and Jesus died for them) ...Gods ways are not our ways but we learn how to be like Jesus from these parables.

[Elizabeth Kuruvilla]

What is common : Something of great value was lost , great efforts were made in seeking it out/ restoring it, followed by a great rejoicing.

All three parables emphasize God's compassion and joy in seeking out and welcoming back those who are lost. They reveal God's deep desire to reconcile with sinners and the lengths He is willing to go to restore them.

The Father's ways and values 

God forgives freely and abundantly

He loves recklessly

He is Full of Grace , displaying undeserved & unmerited favor.

The Olderson was Obedient and respectful and responsible

However he had no concept of Grace , in his eyes he earned/ merited his keep.

That mentality made him bitter especially when he saw His father's extravagance toward his brother who didn't deserve a penny.

He was a son , yet he was slogging with a slaves mentality earning his keep, the whole concept of Grace is lost on those who try to merit the favor of God.

To be effective in ministry one should first understand what it means to be a son , one must first experience the Grace and Love of the Father

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Robomom3]

Q2. (Luke 15:11-32)

What does this parable have in common with the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin?   

In all 3 of these parables there is a soul who is lost.  For me is more the contrast of these parables that stands out than the commonality.  In this parable the lost soul is not being sought after... because in this parable the lost soul chose to walk away from his Father.  This is a rebellious soul... a selfish soul who thought he knew better than his Father of how to live his life.  His soul was of no less value than the coin or the sheep... but his heart was different.  He had already known the Father's Love and chose to go his own way denying his need for his Father's Love.  So the Father chose to wait and watch for him to return.  To me this symbolizes fervent prayer for the soul who chooses to walk away.

What does the parable tell us about our Father’s way of operating and His values?

Our Father gives us free will... He does not desire soldiers who have to follow His commands... He desires humble children who follow because we love Him... He allows us to make our own mistakes choosing not to be either a helicopter parent nor a parent who enables their child by rescuing them every time they make a wrong choice... to me, He's the epitome of tough Love... He is wise and allows us to learn many of our lessons through natural consequences.  Our Father does not base our value on our actions (thank God!).  He loves us no less when we are disobedient and no more when we are loyal... He loves us the same no matter where we are on our walk with Him or if we have not yet begun the journey with Him.  In all 3 parables we see that we are seen as precious treasure to our Father... and that is how we should see ourselves and others as well. 

In what ways does the older son hold his father’s values? In what ways does he lack them? 

This son stayed by his Father's side... he was about his Father's business.. he was loyal and he respected his Father's estate and all it stood for.  He worked hard and took pride in all he did for his Father.  I find my biggest temptations come when I am going about my Father's business.  Pride is a deep root... even when we feel we have finally eradicated it from our heart... it rears its ugly head.  We live in a society that bases its value on works... therefore it is hard to realize (or admit) that anything good that comes out of our lives is of the Holy Spirit and not of us... we start to think we have something to do with the Good Fruit... forgetting it's the Vine we are connected to and not the branch that is producing this Good Fruit.  This is where this son got tripped up... he saw himself as worth more because of his works.  However, his Father did not base value on works... his Father based value on each son the same just because they were His sons.  There was no way to earn extra value by any amount of obedience or works.  Just like we do not earn an extra star for each good deed... no... the jewels in my crown will be jewels Jesus and Jesus alone earned in the rare occasions I actually stepped completely aside and allowed Him to do His Work through my broken vessel... this is why the elders are throwing their crowns at His Feet... because when we meet Him Face to face... we will see clearly that anything good that came from our life only came as a result of His Work through us... 

What should disciples learn from this parable to equip them for ministry?

We should see each person as a unique precious child of God.  We should pray fervently for those who stray... watching continuously for any sign of their return and be available to welcome them back home when they are drawn to return.  We should never lose hope of a soul returning... my hardest lesson is understanding I can do nothing to make them return... I always want to go after them... begging them to come back... but the prodigal is different from the coin and the sheep... the prodigals have left on their own free will... and it is not us who draws a heart to God... only the Holy Spirit can do this and it is our prayers that set His Power into motion.  Our only role in the lost prodigal is to pray, wait, welcome and love!

[t-c]

Q2. (Luke 15:11-32) What does this parable have in common with the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? What does the parable tell us about our Father’s way of operating and his values? In what ways does the older son hold his father’s values? In what ways does he lack them? What should disciples learn from this parable to equip them for ministry?

They both deal with something that has been lost. They both deal with great joy and celebration when that which was lost is found.

The Father gives us the liberty to fail , even when or if we dishonor Him. He loves us anyway, always waiting for our return. 
But now Faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1Corinthians 13: 13 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Romans 8:35

His older brother holds to his father’s values  in obedience, respect and hard work.

He lacks his father’s ability to forgive and his father’s grace. Unlike his father, he also misses this as an opportunity to celebrate his brother’s return. He wants reprimand and punishment, not a coming home party.

That there is nobody beyond God love and reach. No matter where they have come from and what they have done; God sent His Son Jesus to die for them. It can be very easy to see some people as unredeemable. But just remember that these are the people that God calls us to love and that one day we will be sharing Heaven with them.

[GeraldG]

People can be just like anything else. They can be lost, and someone needs to be searching for them that they may be found. Once a lost sinner is found we are told that all the angels in heaven rejoice. So yes there should be a celebration. 

The Father allows the son to go out and do as he wills, even though it ends up in failure. But the Father is still settling back waiting for that son to return with unconditional love to receive his son back: for his son was lost but now he's found, was dead but now he lives. 

The older son was reliable, and manageable, a good son to take over his father's farm. But he doesn't hold the same compassion as his father, neither does he want to show mercy just like the Pharisees, little tolerance for exceptance. 

This parable should teach us that we need to be going out searching for the lost, the sinners: and when we find them, and they begin to come in to the church, we need to be ready to receive them with unconditional love: showing them the love of the Father, for they were lost, but now they are found; was dead but now they are alive. There truly should be a celebration over the lost sinners coming in to the Father's house. 

[garymerkel]

Q2. (Luke 15:11-32) What does this parable have in common with the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? What does the parable tell us about our Father’s way of operating and his values? In what ways does the older son hold his father’s values? In what ways does he lack them? What should disciples learn from this parable to equip them for ministry?

I agree with what has been posted but I also apply this to people who have "drifted" in their walk with God since there are many discouraged Christians these days.  We must also lovingly go after those who were once active but have allowed other things such as jobs, children's sports & activities, etc to cause them to lose their way...without losing their salvation.  The same love and passion is needed, same values.  The ministry of reconciliation deals with both the lost and the saved.  Lesson: beware of allowing your love to grow lukewarm or cold.  Daily time with Jesus in His Word plus sharing what God is speaking into your life will encourage believers and will cause non-believers to think, "What's with this person and their relationship with God?"  Just some additional thoughts.

[garymerkel]

I also like to connect with Revelation and the church at Ephesus that lost its first love.  They were doing lots of right things but lost the underlying motivation, God's love.  The parable plus other passages like Revelation and the church at Ephesus remind us of the undergirding of the motivation of God's love, whether going after the lost and/or wayward or seeking to reconcile a wayward brother or sister in Christ with their foundation in Christ.

[RD35]

 

Q2. (Luke 15:11-32) What does this parable have in common with the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? What does the parable tell us about our Father's way of operating and his values? In what ways does the older son hold his father's values? In what ways does he lack them? What should disciples learn from this parable to equip them for ministry?

All three Parables tell us about the rejoicing of the Father when the lost is found.

The Father did not prevent the son from going his own way and waited for him to be convicted of his own sin.  When the son comes to his senses and is convicted of his waywardness and returns to the father in repentance, the father is quick to forgive and rejoices.  He honors the dishonored son, clothes him lavishly, gives him the status of his son and feasts over the sons repentance.

The Older son has been obedient to the father's commands and worked hard.  He however does not appreciate the Fathers Mercy towards his younger brother.  

From the above parable i learn that i must nurture the attitude of my heavenly Father of compassion and mercy. As a disciple I must not be proud or self-righteous, but boast only of the grace of God. It is not a matter of fairness toward sinners, but of love. And we, if we are older brothers, need to learn both to seek the lost like our Father seeks and to celebrate what our Father celebrates.

[hanks]

Q2. (Luke 15:11-32)

What does this parable have in common with the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? What does the parable tell us about our Father's way of operating and His values? In what ways does the older son hold his father's values? In what ways does he lack them? What should disciples learn from this parable to equip them for ministry?

In all three parables we notice the joy and pleasure God receives when sinners repent - are found. We also notice His love not only for all humanity, but for each one of us personally – not wanting any to perish. In this parable our Heavenly Father treats each one of us as a person with a will of our own. He does not force us to come to Him but waits patiently as we come to our senses. His love is constant and patient as we repent and put our trust in His Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. The elder son continues to support his father and runs the farm loyal to his father’s values of hard work and patience, and is not distracted by worldly standards like his brother. However, there is a dark-side to him. He despises the fact that his younger brother is forgiven, and refuses to participate in the celebration. Very much like the Pharisees. They resent God showing mercy to disgraceful sinners. This shows us that his relationship with his father, very much like the Pharisees, is not based on love but on works. As believers we can learn to forgive others, no matter what they have done to us. Also, to forgive others who repent after having lived sinful lives. Love them, support them, encourage them, and rejoice with them as they grow in their walk with Jesus.

[Menberu Adane]

God is always joyful in our returning to him, and he always searches us even if we stray in our own way and want. He even tolerate us and has made sacrifice for us. Think of The Cross. God's hands are always stretched to receive us. 

God operates with love and His values are Love. Everlasting Love. Think of The Cross. Operates in Forgiveness and mercy because they are His values.

The older son acted like servant. It is pity and heart breaking when a son looks up his father as if a servant does to his boss. I think many times we forget what God told us, "Our Father in heaven". He is not ashamed of us to call us children but we lack faith and stray from Him. Our Fathe in heaven, hallowed be your name. Amen!

Be loving, be merciful, serve those who are in need, be persistent in our service and don't lose hope in our testimony to those who need salvation. Let's we sow the seed of the Word, and it will grow in thier heart one day.

[Krissi]

It is possible to parallel the two sons in the prodigal story to the two sisters who were entertaining Jesus, Martha and Mary. The older son is Martha: dutiful, responsible, loyal, law-abiding, hard-working but lacking a spark of love. The younger son is Mary: not as attentive to duty and work, emotional, eager to please God and overwhelmed with the spark of love.

Martha and the older son are not lost but dulled by the world's expectations. They are duty-bound. Many Christians secretly identify with Martha and the older son and, to some degree, resent the praise of the younger son and Mary. I was talking to a man who runs a corporation who told me, quite honestly, that Martha was his perfect employee and he was looking to hire more Marthas, not Marys! 

But God isn't running a corporation. Our labour isn't necessary to Him. We may think we're important -- "doing God's work" -- but in reality, God could command angels or even animals to do what we do. We serve Him with our hearts, ultimately, not our hands. Hands without big hearts are those of Martha and the older brother. A good heart was preferred by Jesus, who overtly praised Mary over Martha. Similarly, the older son's unwillingness to celebrate is like Martha's complaint about Mary -- for both, duty trumped heart, which is wrong.

All three of these parables -- the lost coin, the lost sheep and the lost son -- have to do with losing and finding. In all, someone/God actively sought, or in the case of the prodigal, passively waited, for the lost item. In all, after the item was found, there was celebration.

[Kweku]

All three parables express God's abundant love and mercy for "that which was lost". (Luke 19:10). The Father for his lost son, The Shepherd for his lost sheep and the Woman for her lost coin.

These parables show us that God is more concerned with mercy than punishment. His heart for his children is for them to be with Him to enjoy all he has, although He gives them the freedom to choose. It reminds me of when God tells the children of Israel, "I present before you life and death but please choose life". 

The older son was obedient to and served his father. He may not have fulfilled his service with love and joy based on his response, "you have never killed the fatted calf for me". But He still did obey all his father's instruction.

The older son failed to see than beyond just rigid service, his father was more concerned with the safety and well being of all his children, especially those who had strayed. Hosea 6:6, "I desire mercy not sacrifice" 

We, as disciples should see that our Father's heart is for all His children to be saved. Therefore, we in turn should seek that which was lost and rejoice, knowing full well that it is because of His rich mercy that we ourselves find a place in His House. Regardless of how we disagreeable we find a brother or sister because of their choices, our main heart's posture should always be one of mercy towards them even as God is merciful to all who repent.

[haar]

Q2.

What the parable of the prodigal son has in common with those of the lost sheep and coin are: God loves and is concerned for the lost, He  is full of joy and happiness whenever the lost is found.

The parable tells us of God love, grace and mercy are not dependent on merit. This is what I as a disciple should learn and practice.

[Vangogh357]

Q2. (Luke 15:11-32) What does this parable have in common with the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? What does the parable tell us about our Father’s way of operating and his values? In what ways does the older son hold his father’s values? In what ways does he lack them? What should disciples learn from this parable to equip them for ministry?

What all the parables have in common is that there is a relief and large celebration for "the found".  The way the Lord God operates according to what I have learned is that HE allows us to make our own decisions (right of wrong) and come to HIM after our recognized fallen state. He's willing to wait for us, seeking us out and ready to celebrate our return to KING JESUS. God gave us an inheritance that we need to maintain, protect and nurture. Obeying the Lord and follow suit. The eldest son did follow suit, and obeyed the family ordinances and keeping the land, but lacked mercy to his fallen brother instead his focus was on his works and that he deserved something for the work he's been doing. He lost the concept of his father's love and mercy for his sons.  We as disciples can never looked down at fallen people, (they are our family, at least we need to look at them that way) We need to show them not only our love and compassion for them, but the TRUE LOVE OF GOD and how their fallen nature if overlooked if they decide to come back to JESUS and God's love, mercy and forgiveness. 

[Grow~Deeper]

On 4/22/2023 at 8:57 AM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q2. (Luke 15:11-32) What does this parable have in common with the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? What does the parable tell us about our Father’s way of operating and his values? In what ways does the older son hold his father’s values? In what ways does he lack them? What should disciples learn from this parable to equip them for ministry?

These parables show us that God  is  mercy, he forgive us when even sin against him.  His heart for his children is for them to be with Him to enjoy all he has, although He gives them the freedom to choose. It reminds me of when God tells the children of Israel, "I present before you life and death but please choose life". 

The older son was obedient to and served his father. He may not have fulfilled his service with love and joy based on his response, "you have never killed the fatted calf for me". But He still did obey all his father's instruction. Older son is very obedience.

The older son failed to see the father’s heart. 

We, as disciples should see that our Father's heart is for all His children to be saved. Therefore, we in turn should seek that which was lost and rejoice, knowing full well that it is because of His rich mercy that we ourselves find a place in His House. Regardless of how we disagreeable we find a brother or sister because of their choices, our main heart's posture should always be one of mercy towards them even as God is merciful to all who repent.

[Grow~Deeper]

On 4/22/2023 at 8:57 AM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q2. (Luke 15:11-32) What does this parable have in common with the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? What does the parable tell us about our Father’s way of operating and his values? In what ways does the older son hold his father’s values? In what ways does he lack them? What should disciples learn from this parable to equip them for ministry?

These parables show us that God  is  mercy, he forgive us when even sin against him.  His heart for his children is for them to be with Him to enjoy all he has, although He gives them the freedom to choose. It reminds me of when God tells the children of Israel, "I present before you life and death but please choose life". 

The older son was obedient to and served his father. He may not have fulfilled his service with love and joy based on his response, "you have never killed the fatted calf for me". But He still did obey all his father's instruction. Older son is very obedience.

The older son failed to see the father’s heart. 

 

We, as disciples should see that our Father's heart is for all His children to be saved. Therefore, we in turn should seek that which was lost and rejoice, knowing full well that it is because of His rich mercy that we ourselves find a place in His House. Regardless of how we disagreeable we find a brother or sister because of their choices, our main heart's posture should always be one of mercy towards them even as God is merciful to all who repent.