Ivy Church

In the famous story of the Prodigal Son, most of us recognise the younger brother — the one who ran away and got lost in the world. But Jesus didn’t end the story there. In this message, Anthony Delaney explores the often-overlooked second half of the parable: the older brother who stayed home but was still lost. While he looked obedient on the outside, his heart had grown distant from the Father. The uncomfortable truth? It’s possible to be close to God geographically… but far from Him relationally. Through this powerful teaching from Luke 15, we discover that the Father is not only seeking those lost in rebellion — He is also calling those trapped in religion back into relationship. In this talk you’ll discover: • How the older brother represents religious pride and resentment • Why duty without intimacy leads to a hardened heart • The three gifts the Father offers to restore the older son • The difference between serving like a slave and living like a son • How the story invites each of us to come home At