I. THE SON'S DISCONTENTMENT

Discontentment is of the devil, who is a most discontent spirit, Job 1:7, 2:2; 1 Pet 5:8.

It is plain that the subject of the parable was discontent in his father's household.

1. He has no real grounds for complaining. He voices no formal complaint. Indeed, later he acknowledges that he had been well off in his father's house, verse 17.

He was able to approach his father and ask for a portion. He was not a tyrant. He was able to return home after shaming his father. These things indicate that his home was a good place.

Such is illustrative of the kindness and love of God. "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32.

2. Despite this he was discontent. How groundless is sinner's discontentment with God. "Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?" Jeremiah 2:5. "O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me," Micah 6:3.

This is an ongoing wickedness amongst men. No kindness by God is ever received with any gratitude or acknowledged. Man chafes under the rule of God, having a heart that desires sin!