{"id":52417,"date":"2020-02-28T23:54:31","date_gmt":"2020-02-28T20:54:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=52417"},"modified":"2025-07-10T21:10:36","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T18:10:36","slug":"what-can-we-learn-from-the-prodigal-son-and-his-older-brother","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2020\/02\/28\/what-can-we-learn-from-the-prodigal-son-and-his-older-brother\/","title":{"rendered":"What Can We Learn from the Prodigal Son and His Older Brother?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When many of us read Jesus\u2019 parable of the prodigal son, our focus is usually on the younger son\u2014the one who wasted his inheritance in reckless living. While this part of the story is powerful, it is only half the lesson. There is another deep truth found in the older brother\u2019s reaction that speaks directly to our attitudes, expectations, and understanding of grace.<\/p>\n

The story, found in Luke 15:11\u201332, is not just about rebellion and return; it\u2019s also about the Father\u2019s heart, the dangers of self-righteousness, and the depth of divine grace\u00a0<\/p>\n

Reading the Parable<\/p>\n

(Luke 15:11\u201332 NKJV, summarized)<\/p>\n

A man had two sons. The younger son asked for his share of the inheritance early, then traveled far away and squandered his wealth in sinful living. When a famine struck, he found himself in deep need, feeding pigs\u2014a job detestable for Jews (Leviticus 11:7). He eventually \u201ccame to himself,\u201d repented, and returned home with a humble heart. His father ran to meet him, forgave him, and restored him as a son.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the older brother, who had remained faithful at home, became angry when he saw the celebration. He refused to join the feast and accused his father of favoritism. The father gently reminded him, \u201cSon, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours\u201d (Luke 15:31).<\/p>\n

Lessons from the Younger Son (The Prodigal)<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Sin separates us from the Father, but repentance restores fellowship<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The prodigal son’s journey into a distant country symbolizes a life separated from God through sin. Sin always leads to spiritual famine (Isaiah 59:2), but repentance brings restoration.<\/p>\n

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If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.<\/em><\/p>\n

1 John 1:9<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Like the prodigal, many Christians today abandon their spiritual inheritance for the fleeting pleasures of the world (Hebrews 11:25). But no matter how far we\u2019ve strayed, God\u2019s mercy is available. The Father’s response\u2014running to meet his son\u2014shows us the urgency and joy with which God receives the truly repentant (James 4:8, Luke 15:20).<\/p>\n

2. Salvation is not earned but received by grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The prodigal did nothing to earn his father’s love. He only came back in humility\u2014and was welcomed. This reflects the truth that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8\u20139).<\/p>\n

His statement, \u201cI am no longer worthy to be called your son\u201d (Luke 15:21), reflects godly sorrow that leads to true repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).<\/p>\n

Lessons from the Older Brother<\/strong><\/p>\n

The older brother represents a different danger: self-righteousness. He had stayed, worked, and obeyed\u2014but his heart was bitter.<\/p>\n

1. You can be near the Father, yet far from His heart.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although physically present, the older brother didn\u2019t understand his father’s joy or mercy. Like the Pharisees Jesus was addressing in Luke 15:1\u20132, he believed obedience should be rewarded and that mercy was unfair.<\/p>\n

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These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.<\/em><\/p>\n

Matthew 15:8<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

We must guard against a performance-based view of God that believes our works earn His love. Our obedience is the fruit of our love, not the price for it (John 14:15).<\/p>\n

2. The faithful share in all the Father\u2019s blessings\u2014now and forever<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The father told the older son, \u201cAll that I have is yours\u201d (Luke 15:31). This mirrors the promise in Romans 8:17:<\/p>\n

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..if children, then heirs\u2014heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ…<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The faithful may not always experience earthly rewards, but they are promised a heavenly inheritance that will never fade (1 Peter 1:4).<\/p>\n

The Father’s Heart: A Picture of God\u2019s Grace<\/p>\n

The central figure in this parable is not the younger son or the older son\u2014it is the Father, who represents God the Father Himself.<\/p>\n

His actions embody the Gospel:<\/strong><\/p>\n