The ProdigalSample

The Older Brother

The figure standing to the right in the painting is the man’s oldest son. What do you notice when you look at him?

He’s wearing fancier clothes than his little brother, and he has a neatly trimmed beard. He is literally looking down his nose at his brother. His hands aren’t reaching out for a hug, but instead are folded in front of him.

Imagine what he’s thinking as he watches his father hug his brother.

The older brother is the good kid who works hard and does what his father asks. He didn’t approve of his brother’s decision to take their dad’s money and run. If he were to describe his little brother, he would likely use words like selfish, irresponsible, and just plain stupid.

And now he can’t believe the scene unfolding before him. There is nothing fair about this. His father isn’t just welcoming home the rebellious "bad kid." He’s dressing him in the nicest clothes and hosting a party in his honor.

He doesn’t look happy to see his brother. Instead, he’s angry that his father had never thrown a party for him, the "good kid."

And in his anger, perhaps he misses the truth that he is also loved by his father. A father who left the party to invite him to join the celebration. A father who says that “everything I have is yours.”

The older brother thinks he knows what is best. He thinks he could do a better job. After all, if he were in charge, he would give his brother what he deserves.

Jesus ends the story but doesn’t tell us how the older brother responds to his dad.

Maybe the brother realizes that none of us truly want to get what we deserve. What we really want—what we really need—is a father who loves both the disobedient and the judgmental.

REFLECTION

How are you like the older son in the story? Do you ever get frustrated by God? Why?

DISCUSSION

Why or when would you not want God to treat you as you deserve?