The Older Brother Who Shouts, 'Never'

The older brother in the story of the Prodigal Son was very unprodigal. He didn't want to celebrate with the others, didn't want to accept his brother back, and was upset at his father for showing love and forgiveness to his brother. In many ways he reflects a lot of religious people who have missed the core message of the gospel. He was just as lost as his brother...and maybe even more. However, the father still went out to him to show him love, kindness, and grace. We can understand the fullness and depth of the gospel by learning from the reaction of the older brother.