Me: the older brother of the Prodigal Son

[Joan92]

Question:

Can anyone share any insight on when you see the qualities in yourself that the jealous older brother of the Prodigal Son demonstrated?

 

[christofirst]

I think people who expect the rules to be followed, and who generally follow the rules themselves, can identify with the brother of the Prodigal Son. My mom is one of these people - she has said so herself. Myself, I struggle with sin and regularly fall short of the mark. I identify with the Prodigal Son, and I find it hard to begrudge anyone who has been treated with mercy and given a second, or even multiple chances to repent. But I understand people like my mom and the Prodigal Son’s brother. We want things to be fair and just in this life, and the next.

 

[chero23]

I have heard people say that the older brother was being selfish. But I see myself as the older brother, I have always been at my moms side, with my sister with Down syndrome. My family has had that situation like the prodigal son.