The Prodigal Son’s Brother.

The prodigal son is a very popular story in the Bible. Almost everyone can say that at one time they were that younger son that went away and lived it up Satan’s way. I feel like it is common to hear people say that, anyway. And for most it is true. But can I be so bold as to say that you were the older son at times as well?

You know, the son that never left or disobeyed his father? The prodigal son’s brother? Yeah, let me just tell you right now that I am not giving you a compliment by saying you were like him at times too.

See, the younger son that left and squandered his wealth, he outwardly lived wrong. Granted he did return to his father. But the elder brother, he inwardly lived wrong.

The older son did not know what was going on when he was outside and heard the festivities going on inside the house. When he found it was that his estranged brother returned and that they were throwing a party for his return, the guy got angry and refused to go in and celebrate with everyone.

The older son threw a fit towards his father when his father pleaded with him to come inside. This son never disobeyed his father. He stayed with his father all these years, never turning away. Never outwardly choosing the wrong path. Yet it was his younger brother, whom essentially ran away, that gets to be celebrated? The older son was jealous, and resentful.

He lashes out. Making himself more self righteous than his brother. He rejects his brother and throws accusations his father’s way. Because he never disobeyed his father, while his brother squandered their fathers property with prostitutes. How dare the father give the prodigal son a fattened calf, while the older never even gotten a young goat to celebrate with his friends? He is throwing accusations of unfairness into his father’s face.

The older son’s words were biting, and filled with bitterness. He was not only disrespectful towards his brother, but also unforgiving. Bringing up, what he assumed, to be the worst of his brothers sins. And practically saying that his brother does not deserve the celebration. And that their father should not have forgiven him and greeted him with open arms. So, let me ask you.

Is there someone in your life you have a hard time accepting?

Is there a believer in your life right now that you have anger towards? That you have a hard time believing the Good Lord opened his loving arms towards? Are you jealous and resentful towards them? Because the Good Lord loves them? He loves you too, you know. Do you believe they have done worse than you ever did and could not possibly change for the better like you have done? Are you bitter about them? Do you speak words of hate about them?

Why?

I’m sorry if this offends, but I think it’s because we put ourselves on a pedestal at times. We have grown so much! We’re doing so much better! We’re living the godly life! Or so we think.

I’ll admit that there have been times I have looked down on another before. I see or hear the things they have done and think, “I would never do that.” I felt the conviction about that too. Just because I sin differently than you does not mean I’m better than you. Sin is sin, it’s all equal. Remember, there was a time you were that prodigal son too.

So this is your reminder to check your heart. Humble yourself. Repent and ask for forgiveness for the self righteous hatred you hold towards that person. We have all been the prodigal son, let’s not become the older son too.

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ “ ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ”
- Luke 15:11‭-‬32