Most films tell stories where the virtuous triumph and the wicked are defeated, reinforcing the idea that humanity can be divided into two distinct groups: good and bad. However, the Bible challenges this view. For instance, in the parable of the prodigal son, the younger son demands his share of the inheritance, then squanders it in a life of sin. When he finds himself destitute and desperate, he returns home remorseful. Upon seeing him, his father runs to embrace him, and orders his servants to prepare a feast in his honor (Lk 15:11-22). Yet, the prodigal had an older brother – seemingly virtuous and obedient – whose character challenges us to view virtue from a different perspective. This part of the narrative begins as the celebration unfolds, marking the return of the lost son.

Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 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. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘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 (Luke 15:25-32).

The Bible teaches that the words we speak flow from the abundance of our hearts (Lk 6:47). This truth helps us discern the older brother’s character by examining his words. Rather than joining his family to celebrate his brother’s return, he gets angry and rebukes his father for the warm welcome given to the prodigal. He highlights his own virtues, drawing a sharp contrast to his brother’s flaws. Furthermore, he shows indifference to his father’s feelings, disregarding the countless nights he may have spent worrying whether his lost son was hungry, suffering, or even alive. For the father, this was a day of immense joy – a reason to celebrate. Yet, the older brother’s bitterness clouds the moment, turning a joyful occasion into one of conflict. Do you know people like this – those who seem to find fault in everything, stir up strife, and are never truly content?

The older brother appears to be an obedient and diligent man, professing steadfast loyalty to his father. Yet, his words reveal a deeper bitterness – marked by entitlement, superiority, and resentment toward his brother. Notably, he doesn’t even call him “my brother,” but instead refers to him as “that son of yours.” Such language, reducing a close relationship to impersonal terms, often reflects a heart harboring bitterness toward that person.

Another issue the older brother points out is that the prodigal son squandered his father’s money, revealing a greater concern for wealth than for his father’s joy in welcoming the prodigal home. The older brother believes his own exemplary behavior entitles him exclusive rights, yet his obedience may be driven by a desire to secure his financial future. Ambition isn’t only revealed in reckless spending; it’s also evident in the jealous guarding of wealth. We can act rightly with the wrong motivations – turning good deeds into a source of pride and moral superiority that blinds us to our own faults while fixating on the flaws of others.

While the prodigal son was undeniably cynical, his brother proved to be no better. He was selfish, envious, quarrelsome, self-serving, bitter and resentful. He showed no compassion for his lost brother. Instead, we hear him complaint upon his return. Greedy, demanding, and ungrateful, both brothers harbored sin in their hearts and were in need of a Savior. The key difference lies in their response: one humbly repents and returns, while the other hardens his heart.

Jesus uses this parable to address criticism from the scribes and Pharisees, who condemned Him for dining with sinners. First, He shares the story of the shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that is lost (Lk 15:1-7). Then, He recounted the story of the woman who loses one of her ten coins and celebrates finding it (Lk 15:8-10). Finally, He offers the parable of the prodigal son. Each of these stories highlights the profound joy in heaven when a sinner repents. Yet, rather than rejoicing, the religious leaders respond with anger – much like the prodigal son’s brother.

The Pharisees prided themselves on being chosen by God to deliver the Scriptures, the prophets, and the Messiah to the world. Yet, when the Messiah came, they rejected Him, holding tightly to their own self-righteousness. Meanwhile, those who had been far from God – like prodigals – were welcomed into His grace through Jesus Christ. Time and again, Scripture shows that those who recognize their sin find it easier to approach Jesus. Prostitutes, thieves, and the simplest among society recognized Jesus as the Messiah, while the religious leaders kept their distance, coming close only to condemn Him. God’s salvation is freely offered to all, but only those willing to receive it will fully embrace it.

This doesn’t mean that God favors prodigals over those who behave righteously. He rejoices in anyone who repents – whether it’s the prodigal or his brother – because both are equally in need of salvation. We are just as lost when we reject righteousness altogether as when we rely on our own flawed sense of justice. Relying on our own morality is an attempt to save ourselves, rendering Jesus Christ’s sacrifice unnecessary. While it may feel unsettling, holding too tightly to our own sense of righteousness can blind us to the deeper truths God wants to reveal about us. Instead of striving for or righteousness through our own efforts, Jesus calls us to humbly recognize our mistakes each day, and trust in Him to lead us toward His perfect justice.

This story reveals that those who are truly lost are often unaware of it. The prodigal son repents and draws near to the father, while his brother remains distant. The truth is, they’re both prodigals, but only one of them realizes it. We deceive ourselves when we think that following rules and living righteously earns us favor with God or shields us from hardship. In the Christian life, there are no points to earn and no graduation; growth isn’t about rising higher but humbling ourselves. The Christian life isn’t a checklist of rules – it’s a way of being. It’s not about something, but about Someone. It’s about a relationship with God, who longs to dwell within us through His Holy Spirit. And that is truly extraordinary and worth celebrating!

This story concludes with the father’s heartfelt response to his older son: “Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come back to life; he was lost and has been found” (Lk 15:31-31). He celebrated a son who didn’t deserve it, but he would have done the same for his other son, who was equally underserving. In the story of our lives, our Heavenly Father has prepared a feast for anyone willing to join – the Wedding Supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:6-9). Don’t miss out on this great celebration. Draw near to Him, trusting that His sacrifice is enough to forgive you and grant you eternal life. Say this prayer with me: Lord Jesus, I am not worthy of You because I am a sinner, but I come today asking forgiveness for my sins and accepting Your sacrifice on the cross to give me eternal life. I surrender my heart and my life to You. Thank You for saving me!