Luke 15:29. The Elder son, in this famous parable, depicts the attitude of the Pharisees towards the sinners gathered around Jesus (15:1-2). He was on such a works program, bathing in his own self-righteousness, that he could not find grace for himself or for others. His motivation was tainted when it came to serving his father and was not based on love but rather trying to merit his father’s favour. This heart-searching grace sermon puts the question to us regarding our own motivation. Why do we do what we do? Are we enabled by grace? motivated by love, serving in freedom?