The Prodigal's Brother (Luke 15)

It has rightly been said that the parable of the Prodigal Son should really be called the Prodigal's Brother. As much as most sermons on the passage focus on the dad and his youngest son, it is really in the reaction of the older son that Jesus' point is made. To understand the parable correctly, we have to remember the context. In verses 1-2, the religious leaders are upset because Jesus is eating with sinners. They don't think that a truly righteous man would associate with those who were traitors to their nation and with those whose sin was a matter of public notoriety. In Luke 15, Jesus answers the charges that are brought against Him. He uses story to tell why He is eating and fellowshipping with those the religious leaders would condemn.

The parable of the Prodigal's brother is the last of the three stories. And the conclusion of that parable marks the height of Jesus' criticism of the religious leaders in this chapter. After the prodigal returns home and the party is under way, the Prodigal's brother is none too happy. Why should the sinner be celebrated; why not the saint? The Prodigal's brother has been the faithful son, yet there has never been even a cake baked in his honor. He is quite upset with his father. But the father tells the Prodigal brother that the celebration is not meant to overlook his contribution. The Prodigal's brother has indeed been faithful. The father loves him and is willing to share all he has with him. But still, the return of the lost son has to be celebrated and commemorated. Feting the Prodigal is not a commentary on his brother. But there must be joy for those who repent of wrong choices.

The religious leaders were like the Prodigal's brother. They wanted their faithfulness recognized. They thought it unjust that the newly repentant were being celebrated. But Jesus says that it is the right thing to do. A father loves all his children- both the continually faithful and the newly faithful. And so we should be like Jesus. We should be joyful at the prospect of even the most wicked returning to Him.