The Prodigal Son [lesson fifteen]

In last week’s column we closed by concluding that out of the three involved in the story of the prodigal son, that it was the elder son’s religion that was in disarray and in need of serious repair. The father’s religion remained steady and on course, and the younger son had just concluded putting himself and his religion back on the proper course. That left the elder brother’s religion in shambles. But, what is it that was wrong with the elder brother’s religion? Let’s try to respond to that question.

First, the elder brother had developed a very selfish spirit. He had never quite figured out how to co-exist in a community with his brothers and sisters. In a home with a magnificently compassionate father to lead the way, this elder son had developed an "I was here first" mentality that apparently superceded any thing and any one else. Is that the way we conduct ourselves in the community of believers where we belong?

Second, the elder brother saw no personal need for mercy. Of course that’s because he believed he could do no wrong. In his own words he said, "Lo, these many years I have been serving you [father]; I never transgressed your commandment at any time…" (Luke 15:29). Oh really? Well, at least in his self-righteous mind, he didn’t need such things as forgiveness, compassion or mercy, so why should he show it to others? That’s a dangerous spirit to have because we’re really just not that good. None of us are. Paul says, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He save us…" (Titus 3:5). Had the elder brother stayed home? Yes. Is that to his credit. Certainly. Yet, this elder brother had either forgotten or he just never quite comprehended one very powerful lesson in the midst of his staying at home. "You can be just as lost at home as you can away from home." As immaculate as his self-confessed record may have been, he had seriously violated the first fundament commandment of the Lord, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:36-39).

Finally, this elder brother knew his father, but then again he didn’t. He knew his father’s name, but he surely didn’t know his father’s heart. We see individuals like this in the Lord’s house. And especially in matters of personal faith and personal judgment, elders brothers like this are forever more than happy to tell you of their righteousness, and to be your conscience for you. Yet sadly, they never fully recognize their own short comings and their need for compassion, and mercy.

What amazes me is how patient the father was. Not with the younger son. I’m talking about the patience the father had with the elder son. The father patiently tried to help his son see the importance of one who had been dead, yet now alive, one lost but now found. We must learn that lesson too. Our failure to love our brother as we ought hurts our brother for sure, because this is his community too. But in the end it hurts us far worse.