Would You Ever Leave Again?

What do you think about the older brother’s reaction to his brother’s returning home? Read about him here.

In Jesus’ story we often refer to the younger brother as “the prodigal son.” You know how after wasting his father’s hard-earned wealth, he finds himself destitute, walks home barefoot, and is enthusiastically greeted by his dad who throws a big party to celebrate his return. 

What could possibly have given the younger son the courage to walk back up to the door from which he had so arrogantly departed? What kind of man do you think the son knew his father to be? At least he knew he was a good man, not lacking in compassion or prone to retribution.  I would guess he also knew his father loved him.  That he did not expect the welcome home celebration he received tells us he had underestimated both his father’s love and his father’s grief when he left home. But he knew his father would treat him as well as any other beggar who showed up asking for work, so he went home.

Imagine yourself in this son’s place.  You are expecting a lecture and hoping for a few pieces of bread, and instead you get the best clothes, a ring on your finger and the fattened calf with the local band.  Would you ever leave your father again?!

Now imagine you are the older brother.  You had watched your dad worry and grieve over your brother.  You saw him age years in the months his son was away.  You had hoped to never see the ungrateful brat again, but here he is and your father has not held back anything to celebrate.  And you are mad!  So you stay outside, hoping your father will notice how mad you are.  When he sees you he comes out with a big smile on his face and begs you to please come in and be glad with him.  Why do you refuse?

I love the story of the prodigal son because it speaks so clearly and loudly of God’s heart for you and me.  He wants us home. Never mind where you have been – never mind what you have done – never mind all the time  you wasted – just come home and celebrate our being a family.  Your Father loves you.  He wants you with him, under his roof, safe and sound, surrounded by love. 

Jesus told us to pray, “your will be done.” Maybe we left home like this younger son because we thought we knew better how to enjoy life.  When we found out how wrong we were, we went home, knowing our Father’s will was our good. Would we ever leave again? 

How different this is from the relationship the older son has with his father when he says,

“Look, all these years I have worked for you like a slave, and I have never disobeyed your orders.”

He’s doing the father’s will, but his obedience is contractual, and he feels like a hired worker.

Meanwhile inside the younger son is eating and dancing and reveling in his father’s love. Tomorrow morning the three of them will head out to the fields together.

Which son would you rather be?