Where’s my Party? | The Older Brother (Luke 15)

Welcome to Real Life. It's not always fair.

"Resentment is an early warning signal

for needed change."

–Dr. Henry Cloud

“I totally agree with the older brother,” Jill told our group. Six of us were gathered around my kitchen table discussing the Parable of the Prodigal Son. “If we serve God our entire lives,” she said, “And then a mean and selfish person prays for forgiveness on his death bed, and God welcomes him into heaven—just like he welcomes you and me—it’s just not fair!”

The parable focuses on the younger brother. He demands his inheritance early, and then leaves home and burns through his windfall on wild living. Hungry, humble, and repentant, he returns to seek his father’s forgiveness. The father is waiting, not with a lecture, but with a loving embrace. The son whom he feared was dead has returned alive. He wraps his robe around his son’s shoulders, places a ring on his son’s finger, and throws a grand party. The entire household celebrates, minus one. The older brother refuses to join the festivities. He tells his father:

“All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!”

(Luke 15:29-30 NLT)

Is it fair? Honestly, there have been seasons when I have commiserated with the older brother. I tend to be the hard-working, responsible one. Others party. I clean up the mess. Where is my party?

When my responsible, disciplined life leaves me feeling angry and resentful, I have forgotten one critically important point. I need God's grace, too. When you and I begin to believe that our disciplined lives earn us a spot in heaven, we are believing a lie. We all need Jesus. It is by grace that we have been saved through faith.[1]  Hard work and discipline won’t get us there. If it could, Jesus did not need to shed his blood. Grace is not fair. Hallelujah! For by his grace and faith in his Son's sacrifice, we receive what we don't deserve—forgiveness, salvation, heaven! This, however, is fair: God freely offers his grace to each one of us. It is up to you and me to receive this gift. 

All these years I’ve slaved for you. What’s more, when my responsible, disciplined Christian life begins to feel like slavery, something is very wrong. Yes, our Father God calls us to live disciplined and obedient lives. Not to earn his love and favor, but because this is the healthiest, the whole-est, and the most blessed life he created us to live. Sin and selfishness destroy us. Our Father God, however, is not standing over us with a whip or shaking his head in disappointment every time we stumble. Rather, when we turn to our heavenly Father, he is waiting with open, loving arms. He is ready to richly provide all we need to live a godly life!

“My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours,”[2]

the father tells his angry older son.

The elder son had full access to his father’s love, wealth, blessing, and relationship. Did he enjoy it? No, he labored like a slave in his father’s house. Discipline and responsibility are good. But if we never allow ourselves to relax, and to enjoy our relationships with God and others, our discipline has turned toxic. It's leading us further away from our Father in heaven. You and I have full access to our heavenly Father's love, wealth, blessing, and relationship. Will we enjoy God? Or labor like a slave in his house? It is our choice!

 

Whether we relate to the wild prodigal or the resentful older brother, remember. Our heavenly Father's arms are open wide to us. Everything he has is yours and mine—love, grace, peace, forgiveness, righteousness, joy, and more. Let’s enjoy our God! He’s waiting. Will you join the party?

Oh, I'm running to Your arms,

I'm running to Your arms.

The riches of Your love

Will always be enough

Nothing compares to Your embrace.[3]

Dear heavenly Father,
Whether we’ve run far from you as a prodigal,
Or acted as the good, responsible child.
We all need you!
Teach us to balance work with rest and enjoyment.
And fully embrace the grace you extend to us.
Thank you for loving us well,
And welcoming us home
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Take it further...

• Read the Parable of the Prodigal Son. 
• Learn more about receiving the gift of God's grace and salvation through Jesus Christ by calling 888-Need-Him or visit Chat About Jesus.

Image by Canva
[1] Ephesians 2:8-9
[2] Luke 15:31
[3] “Forever Reign” by Hillsong (2010)