The Prodigal Son’s Brother

“And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.”
—Luke 15:28–32 (KJV)

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the most famous stories of Jesus, retold by many preachers in today’s generation. This story beautifully illustrates how the Father loves us unconditionally, even when we are like the prodigal son. Yet, there was another son—less talked about, but just as significant—and that is the older brother. He remained at home with the father, doing everything right, most likely obedient and upright in all his ways to please his father.

In Luke 15:25–32, we read the older brother’s response to the return of the prodigal son. His reaction was unusual—he was not joyful, but rather angry and likely jealous of what the father had done upon his brother’s return: “Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.” And his father replied, “Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.”

Sometimes, we are like the brother who doesn’t know his real identity as a son. He had a slave mentality, not realizing that he too was loved by the father and could ask for anything he desired. Many of us Christians are serving God in the Kingdom with a poverty mindset, despite belonging in a place of royalty. We feel we must perform and work hard in order to receive favor, blessing, and honor—not knowing that even without doing all these things, the Father has already lavished His great love on us. We can ask for anything in Jesus’ name even as we serve the Lord (John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.).

If you can relate to the brother, may you be reminded through this Parable that you too can ask the Father for anything that you desire. Everything that Christ Jesus has belongs to you because we are co-heirs in the Kingdom (Romans 8:17). And as you receive the love of the Father, you will be able to join in celebrating others’ success and joy.