photo by Sabine Ojeil

Note: this article is derived from a paper I wrote in one of my communications classes. I was assigned to evaluate the options and perspectives of characters in a parable. Be aware that, for the purpose of my assignment, I am making educated guesses about details that are not explicitly mentioned.

The cast of characters in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son include a hungry young man, a forgiving father, and a bitter older brother. The story begins with an entitled, disconnected prodigal preparing to leave home. He feels that he is missing out on all the fun he deserves to have, and his father owes him. He can wait for the inheritance until his father dies, or he can ask for his inheritance early. He probably expects that his father will grant his request, or otherwise he would not ask, and he looks forward to a life of pleasure in the Far Country. Once there, however, he is left with the dry husks of his former dreams. The prodigal realizes he can either stay and starve, or return home to beg for mercy. At the best, he hopes to be treated as a hired servant in his father’s household. Shame hangs over his soul as he makes the journey home.  

His father had been disappointed at his demands for an early inheritance. Living on the same farm with his son, his father probably had observed enough of his son’s character to expect that he would manage his inheritance poorly. And yet he let him make his own decision. What could the returning prodigal anticipate besides more disappointment?

But his father runs to meet him, and joy and relief flood the hearts of father and son as the prodigal is welcomed home. The father could have chosen to totally reject his wayward son. He could have chosen to treat him as a hired servant. Instead, he embraces his son with astounding forgiveness, and he holds up this occasion as an event everyone should celebrate. 

The older brother, on the other hand, had an entirely different view of the situation. Good riddance to his selfish younger brother! And what was his father thinking to throw away all that money? He imagined his father might have at least enough sense to refuse such a ridiculous demand, but father seemed to lose his rationality when it came to that whining little twerp.

During the prodigal son’s wanderings, the older brother did not watch and wait in eager expectation as his father did. No – it was business as usual, and it would be best for everyone if the prodigal never came back. Even if he did return, surely he would not be accepted as a member of the family – the elder brother was the good son who deserved favor, and the prodigal was the bad son who deserved contempt. So it comes as a shock when, not only does the prodigal find his way home, but he is fully restored to the family circle. Father even throws a party for him. What a scandal – what ingratitude to the dutiful older brother who never wasted his father’s money and had always been an asset to the family business. John MacArthur comments that the older brother “could not [even] bring himself to call the prodigal his brother – instead, he called him that ‘son of yours’”(John MacArthur Study Bible, English Standard Version). The older brother could have chosen to celebrate with his father, but he chose his personal pity party instead.

This parable reflects the greater reality of God’s love for sinners who repent and depicts the ugliness of self-righteousness toward those sinners. Just as the father in the parable of the prodigal son sent for new clothes for his son, likewise, when we trust in the sacrifice of Christ by faith, we are clothed in his righteousness and restored to a right relationship with God the Father. Christ is the Elder Brother who traveled to the Far Country to suffer for sins not his own and bring wayward prodigals back home. Our restoration to the fellowship we were created to enjoy ushers us into a celebration attended by angels and culminates in the rejoicing of all creation  (see Luke 15:10, Hebrews 12:22, Romans 8, Isaiah 55:12-23).

~ Emily Winslow Cox

Read the original parable for yourself in Luke 15: https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/luk/15/11-32/s_988011

Works Cited.

John Macarthur Study Bible. English Standard Version, Crossway Bibles, 2001.