By: B.M.
I am so tired of people beating up the older son. He is a good man. While the younger one was doing God knows what, the older one was working the fields in obedience and honor to his father.I understand that this is a fictional parable that was given by Jesus to illustrate the value of the returning son. But it will be intresting if we stretch out imagination a bit and pretended that this was a real family and think about each family member.
Let us start with the Dad; it seems there a great deal of favoritisms of the younger son over the older one. Mr. Dad, listens to his son and gives him the money (1/2 of the estate) then allow/let him go. Was he setting him up for failure? ... After all the dad was waiting for his return; he waited for him. While he was waiting for him what was his relationship with the older son? I believe he was dedicating his energy on the younger son even when was gone (totally unfair). And the dad runs to hug his son and order clothes, a ring, food and celebration… excuse me; did anyone call for the older son to come early from work and join. In my eyes, he was treaded worse than the hired servants. What I owe to the dad is that he is a compassionate dad. He loved that child more than his money. He displays the true meaning of unconditional love. I hope that child appreciate it.
The Prodigal son (the younger one):
He is undisciplined, disrespectful ignorant fool. Oh I forgot to mention unappreciative of how lucky he was. While he is enjoying the lab of luxury and he asks for his share of the estate… before his dad dies in case you did not notice. I wondered if that was his idea or a “bad friendship” which accompanied him on his journey. He had to learn this lesson through this horrible experience since he is dumb enough not to listen to the wisdom and common sense. I guess, he just wanted to try on his own and live outside the shadow of his father and brother. I bit he learned false friendship do not last when the money is gone. He had to learn the true value of family and friendship. He had to learn what is really important.
The older son, the unsung hero of the story:
So after finishing a good day of work, the older son gets close to home he hears celebration, music and dancing… even the servant knew more than him. HE HAS EVERY RIGHT TO BE ANGRY. I am angry for him. I put myself in his place; disrespected; unappreciated; and ignored… after all he is first born; Mr. Dad came out and pleaded with him. So he said “‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders.” He must felt like a slave taking orders only and was not given enough love. Perhaps some jealous of the younger son… but he also had to learn about being a father. He should also be grateful of what he has and be happy for his brother.
When I struggle with this parable; I remind myself that:
As the dad, to be fair to all my children; appreciate them all, and love them equally and unconditionally. As the younger son, to pray for wisdom, appreciation, gratefulness, and maturity. As the older son; to pray for understanding, endurance, patience, most of all a loving heart.