a) Relate the Parable of the Prodigal Son. (b) What three character traits did the elder brother exhibit?

Answer Details

(a) The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

Jesus said there was a man who had two sons. The younger son said to his father, "Father, give me the share of property that falls to me." So the father divided his living between them. Not many days later the younger son gathered all he had and journeyed into a far country, where he squandered his property in loose living.

When he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country and he began to be in want. He joined himself to a citizen of that country who sent him into the fields to feed swine, and he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate, but no one gave him anything.

When he came to himself he said, "How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger. I will arise and go to my father and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants." So he arose and came to his father.

While he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, ran and embraced him and kissed him. The son made his confession, but the father said to his servants, "Bring quickly the best robe and put it on him, put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet, and kill the fatted calf, and let us eat and make merry, for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." And they began to make merry.

Now the elder son was in the field, and as he came near the house he heard music and dancing. On learning that his brother had returned safely and the fatted calf had been killed, he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered, "Lo, these many years I have served you and never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a kid that I might make merry with my friends; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf." The father said, "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead and is alive; he was lost and is found."

(b) Three character traits exhibited by the elder brother

• Anger and resentment / jealousy: He was angry and refused to join the celebration, jealous of the welcome given to his returned brother.
• Self-righteousness / pride: He boasted of his long years of faithful service and obedience, contrasting himself favourably with his brother.
• Lack of love and unforgiveness: He showed no compassion for his brother, disowned him by calling him "this son of yours," and dwelt on his sins instead of rejoicing at his return.