The Prodigal Son’s Brother, part 2: Did You Ever Ask for a Kid?
“And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him.
And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” (Luke 15:28-31)
We saw previously that the older brother was angry at Dad’s response to his brother’s return. We saw what the older brother had done right, but we also should look at what he did wrong; not to bash him, but to learn important spiritual truths. That’s why stories like this are in the Bible.
Let’s forget the prodigal for a minute and just consider the father and the older brother. The older brother is loyal to Dad, even as an adult, and obeys and serves him. He has friends he likes to be with, and if they’re anything like him, they’re probably decent guys. So what’s wrong?
What’s wrong is the older brother saw Dad as a boss, not a father. The first thing he said was, “Lo, these many years to I serve thee,” which was great, but then the accusation about the kid. And what did Dad say? His first word was, “Son,” not “employee,” but “SON.” (capitals added) There’s a big difference between an employee and a son. Then, “thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” The older brother could fellowship with Dad. His brother couldn’t, not in the far country.
Moreover, the father was apparently rich. He said, “…all that I have…” which meant he probably had quite a bit. He also said, “…all that I have is thine.” which meant he would have gladly given the older son a kid without blinking an eye IF THE OLDER SON HAD ASKED FOR ONE. So the older son, although obedient and loyal, obviously lacked the joy of fellowship with his father.
If you have kids, you want them to obey, help with chores, do well in school, and be productive citizens. But what if they did all that but never talked with you about the school, friends, or things that troubled them, or said they loved you or showed any desire to be with you? See the problem?
The father is a picture of God. The older son is a picture of a Christian. God wants us to obey and serve Him, but He also wants fellowship with us as our Father. Fellowship with God is what makes the Christian life joyful: “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” (1 John 1:3-4)
How do we fellowship with God? First, we read His Word. It can’t be overstated that the Bible is not a big volume of dos and donts. The Bible has words of comfort, encouragement, guidance, and instruction. Although our names are not in it, God knows what we need and He uses its words to speak to us in a personal way.
We also fellowship with God in prayer. Do you have someone you can pour your heart out to? If you know Jesus as Saviour, you do, God. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Spending time in God’s Word and prayer are two vital ways to fellowship with God.
If you have never seen from the Bible how to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, please go to www.clevelandbaptist.org, click “Helpful Links,” then “How Do I Go to Heaven?”
Brian Miller 2/24/2022
Cleveland Baptist Church 4431 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 216/671-2822