The Oldest Son

““25) Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26) And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. 27) And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28) But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. 29) But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; 30) but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’ 31) And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32) But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’ ””. Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭25‬-‭32‬ ‭

The older son was angry when he heard the celebration taking place for his returned prodigal brother. For some reason he missed the invitation to the party. It was most likely spontaneous.

When he heard the festivities, he called a servant to get details. When he heard that his younger brother had returned and that his father had received him, he got angry and refused to enter.

When the father heard that his oldest son was outside, he likewise went to him. Before the father could speak, his oldest son unloaded on him. He spewed out jealousy, anger and judgement.

We discover that he did not live a prodigal life, but he did have a prodigal heart. Inwardly he was a mess. The basic problem was that he was trying to earn his father’s love and approval. That drove him to rigid legalism.

The father tried to explain that he was always in his love and favor. The remaining family estate belonged to him. It was there for him to enjoy at any time. But he had two problems.

First, he was locked in performance mode. He was so busy trying to earn approval that he failed to embrace his father and his inheritance.

Second, he didn’t truly know his father’s heart nor did he understand love. He totally missed the meaning of family living. He was fixated on himself.

There are three ways to understand this story. First, it could apply to the immediate context of the scribes and Pharisees shunning the sinful tax gathers and sinners that were flocking to Jesus. The prodigal’s were being found and they did not like it.

Second, it could have a broader application of the gospel and the Great Commission. Soon the gospel would be going to the gentiles. It took a long time for the believing Jews to embrace their “born-again” gentile brother and sisters as equals “in Christ.”

Finally, it might relate to the general lack of fervor to reach and receive sinful and lost people in general. Think about this, why didn’t the older son go and try to reach his lost and straying younger brother? After all, he seemed to be in tune with the gossip details of his brother’s tragic condition.

There could be several parts to the answer, but he most likely assumed the role of his brother’s judge. He wanted wrath and Justice poured out on his younger brother.

He was secretly competing with his brother for his father’s approval. The worse his brother became, the better he thought it made him look. He had no understanding of his father’s heart, love and compassion. Instead, he opted to become a Jonah and blame God for grace and mercy on underserving people.

So, where are you in the story? Are you like the younger son, the older son or the loving father. Are you motivated to seek and save the lost? Are you part of the welcoming committee or the condemnation squad?

Daily Bible Commentary

By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global