“But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.” – Luke 15:28 (NKJV)
Most of us focus on the younger son in Jesus’ parable—the one who ran away, wasted everything, and came home to a forgiving father. But let’s talk about the other prodigal son.
The older brother never left home. He never rebelled. He did everything right. But when his lost brother was welcomed back, he refused to celebrate. Instead of joy, he felt resentment.
He saw his brother’s redemption as an insult to his own obedience. “I never left, I never wasted anything, I did everything right—and where’s my feast?” He wasn’t just angry at his brother. He was angry at his father.
How often do we do the same?
When God forgives someone we think doesn’t deserve it.
When we secretly want people to earn grace, instead of freely receive it.
When we think our goodness makes us more deserving than someone else.
But here’s the truth—the older son needed grace just as much as the younger one. He had stayed home, but his heart was just as lost.
And yet, look at what the father does. He doesn’t rebuke him. He comes out to him. Just as he ran to the younger son, he reaches out to the older one. Because grace isn’t just for the obviously broken. It’s for the self-righteous, too.
The question is—will we accept it? Or will we stay outside, arms crossed, missing the beauty of the Father’s mercy?
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about who deserves grace. None of us do. That’s the point. And the Father’s invitation is the same for both sons: Come inside. Join the celebration. You belong here.
