Family: The Prodigal and His Brother

I love the story of the prodigal son (Matthew 15:11-32). It so clearly tells of how gracious and forgiving our Heavenly Father is. The story tells how the father ran to his son and embraced him even before he was cleaned up! Then, he threw a huge party to celebrate his son’s return.

What a great picture of how God wants his wayward children to come back to Him and how He rejoices when they do!

However, the other son—the one who remained at home–is an interesting part of the parable, as well.

He was jealous and angry about the return of his wayward brother and didn’t appreciate the celebration he received. He represents many Christians today who do not know who they are in Christ.

According to the parable, all that the Father has is ours, and we have access to Him any time day or night when we pray. The promises of grace, mercy and forgiveness are ours as well as promises of provision, protection, guidance, and healing.

In the light of this truth, we should celebrate His goodness everyday, and be willing to extend grace to those who repent and come back into Him.

By the world’s standard, it’s easy to understand the elder son’s reaction. After all, he had not gone away and squandered all of his money and lived a sinful life style but chose to stay faithful to his father.

In God’s Kingdom we see how grace is shown equally to all who ask for forgiveness and are willing to repent. God rejoices over us no matter how long we have known Him and have walked with Him.

In verses 31-32 the father tells the complaining son,

“‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”

The same joy is felt by this father is felt by our Heavenly Father.

Our sins completely separate us from God, and in turning from them, we are reunited with Him. This is cause for celebration in God’s eyes. We in turn should celebrate with the one who is lost and now is found.

Christine Walker