The Cost of Resentment
Luke 15:1-7
Illustration

Jesus is telling this parable to a group of people who are self-righteous "elder brothers," people who were angry with him for celebrating life with the down-and-out poor.

Remember the old Amos and Andy radio program? In one episode, Kingfish, instead of shaking hands to greet Andy, affectionately slapped him on the chest. But this infuriated Andy, and as the show went on, Andy became more and more resentful.

At the end of the program, Andy came in with a big smile on his face and said to Amos, "I'm ready for him now, Amos. Just let the Kingfish slap me on the chest, and see what he gets."

Amos asked, "Why Andy, what have you done?"

Andy answered, "In my vest pocket, I have two sticks of dynamite. Now, when Kingfish slaps me on the chest, It's gonna' blow his hand clean off!"

Andy was always a little lost. He played the dumb character, and he didn't realize he was blowing his heart up, damaging himself as well.

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