The Other Brother
Imagine This
A small construction company is owned by a father who built it from the ground up. Both of his adult sons work with him. One day the younger brother asks to cash out his share of the company’s value early. He says he wants to start something on his own.
The father agrees and transfers the funds. The younger brother throws a huge party to celebrate, but this turns into a year-long pattern of blowing his money. By the time he’s ready to start his new business venture, the money is all gone.
Meanwhile, the older brother works tirelessly to keep things at his dad’s company afloat, wondering if they’ll ever hear from his younger brother again.
Then one day out of nowhere, the younger son returns, apologizing for his actions and asking for an entry-level position with his father’s company.
Instead, their father restores his position and hosts a celebration.
The older brother, pulls his father aside and says, “I carried the load. I stayed loyal. Why are we celebrating him?”
The father answers quietly, “You have always had access to everything here. Nothing was withheld from you. But he was gone, and now he is back. That is worth rejoicing.”
The older brother stands at the edge of the party while everyone else celebrates, trying to wrap his head around his father’s extravagant forgiveness.
Read Together
Read Luke 15:11-32
As you read, think through the story from the perspective of the the father, the son who left, and the son who stayed.
Scripture Overview
Jesus tells this story in response to religious leaders who are upset that He welcomes sinners. They believe closeness to God should be reserved for those who have stayed faithful and kept the rules. Their obedience has become a quiet claim to superiority.
In the story, the younger brother represents obvious failure. The older brother represents steady obedience. Both are sons, but only one understands the father’s heart. The younger brother returns broken. The older brother remains outside, angry that grace looks lavish.
The point is not that rebellion is harmless. It is that the Father’s joy is centered on restoration. The question Jesus leaves hanging is whether the faithful will share that joy or bitterly cling to their own sense of self-assurance.
Talk About It
Why is it easier to see the younger brother’s failure than the older brother’s pride?
When are we tempted to believe that faithfulness earns us more from God?
Why do we struggle to celebrate when someone who failed is restored?
Do we love the Father, or do we love being right?
Practice This Week
This week, notice where resentment shows up when someone else receives grace. When you feel that tension, pause and ask whether you are keeping score. Pray for the ability to celebrate someone else’s restoration. Choose one moment to rejoice with someone instead of comparing yourself to them. Let gratitude replace comparison.
Prayer
God, thank You for welcoming us when we wander and for inviting us into Your joy. Forgive us for keeping score and measuring ourselves against others. Help us love Your heart more than our own obedience. Teach us to celebrate restoration and receive Your grace with humility. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
