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The story continues. This time focusing on the older son. It starts with Now . . . ,¹ signaling a shift—Jesus exhibits a contrast. Coming in from the field the older son hears music and sees dancing. Thus, he inquires of their servant what the occasion is all about. To his dismay, he realizes that his younger brother had come back and a celebration was called. But he was angry and refused to go in.²

In contrast to the younger son, even more heinous is the hidden sinfulness of the older son. Externally, he appeared like the ideal son; in reality, his heart was hardened. He felt bitter that his father would even consider giving honor to his wicked brother who had the gull to ask for his share of the estate. Yet, again the father-heart of God is shown by extending grace. His father came out and entreated him,³ but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.⁴ He felt self-righteous and deserving of more. He lived like a dutiful son doing the right things; he was legalistic (similar to the Pharisees and the scribes). But his heart was not right; he had no relationship with the father. Most likely he obeyed the father’s rules in compliance that he may gain the father’s material wealth. Rather than sever himself from the father, he chose to stay for the same reason—“What’s in it for me?” And when crisis hits the condition of the heart is exposed.

He missed the point of the relationship—‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ ⁵

The parable shows how much God bears on our relationship with him. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whomever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.⁶ Having conquered death, Jesus leaves a command, “. . . Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, . . . teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ⁷ But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”⁸