Article November 19, 1966 Issue

The Prodigal's Brother

MARY TAYLOR FORD

Familiar indeed to Bible students is the prodigal son. Less noticed by most people is his brother, the elder son. But Jesus included them both in his parable.

This parable begins with the story of the younger son, who took his inheritance to a distant land and squandered it in extravagant and sinful living. Later, sincerely repentant, he decided to return home and ask his father's forgiveness. The father, gratified at this reformation, received him compassionately, even ordering a celebration.

Then the parable turns to the elder son, who became angry that a wastrel should be feted when he, who had worked for his father faithfully, had never been so honored. Disappointed at this narrow viewpoint, the father made this beautiful, tender, but arousing statement: "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine."  Luke 15:31;

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