Synopsis: In part 2 of The Prodigal Family series, Pastor Mark deal with the eldest brother of the Prodigal son. While the Prodigal or Lost son was the rebellious one, the elder brother was the religious son. In the story, he is a picture of the Pharisees and religious leaders of the day. While it appears that the youngest son is furthest from faith and "most lost", we find out that the eldest son is perhaps most lost and far from God (and the father in the story). Pastor Mark brings out how impossible Jesus saw the Pharisees - Their hearts were far from God due to their legalism. It was this dynamic which created the distance from true faith.

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Discussion Questions

1. If legalism is an attempt to gain favor with God or to impress our fellow man by doing certain things (or not doing certain things), without regard to the conditions of our hearts before God ...Do you think you are ever guilty of this? Give an example. And, how do you overcoming legalistic tendencies?
2. Pastor Mark mentioned 9 examples of signs that can help us be aware if we are exemplifying legalistic tendencies. How did you feel hearing those? Were you offended by any of them or did you find yourself agreeing? Why?
3. Read and discuss the passages where you find Galatians 3:3 and Matthew 15:8-9.
4. Read Matthew chapter 23:1-36 and discuss it.