December 19

The Elder Brother

The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look, all these years I have served you and never disobeyed a commandment of yours. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours returns from squandering your wealth with prostitutes, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ ‘Son, you are always with me,’ the father said, ‘and all that is mine is yours. — Luke 15:28-31 BSB

Of the two sons in the parable, I think the prodigal attracts more interest and affection than his elder brother. Esau seems a more likable character than Jacob, and the publican more appealing than the Pharisee who boasts that he is not like others. Perhaps this is because we feel a closer connection to the life of sense and passion than to the outward respectability and decorum that the elder brother represents.

The elder son had a great heritage. He enjoyed his father’s companionship through all the seasons of life and had the peace of mind that comes from never transgressing his father’s commands. He was free to access everything his father possessed, for his father told him, “All that I have is yours.”

This is our heritage as well, as sons and daughters of God. We can live in the constant presence and companionship of God, discussing all that concerns our lives with Him. We also have access to His vast resources in Christ, which we can claim by faith.

Yet, the elder brother’s spirit was loveless and selfish. He was jealous of the welcome given to the prodigal and resented the celebration for someone whose behavior was so different from his own. His self-righteousness alienated him from his father, who had to come out and plead with him to join the celebration. Selfishness always isolates. The spirit that magnifies its own virtues is not the spirit of true religion, no matter how outwardly correct the life may appear.

Let each of us ask: Can God address us with the same grace and blessing He gave to the prodigal? Can we be regarded as sons and daughters without rebuke? If not, then we are just as much prodigals as our wayward brothers, wasting opportunities that angels covet. Let us arise and return to our Father. Let us enter into His joy and allow His joy to fill our hearts so that we may rejoice and be glad.

Prayer

Father, I have sinned. Bring me back into the blessed fellowship with You, that I may live with You on earth until You call me to live with You in heaven. Amen.