The father responds to the elder brother: 'It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found' (εὐφρανθῆναι δὲ καὶ χαρῆναι ἔδει, ὅτι ὁ ἀδελφός σου οὗτος νεκρὸς ἦν καὶ ἔζησεν, καὶ ἀπολωλὼς καὶ εὑρέθη). The verb 'edei' (ἔδει, it was necessary) indicates moral obligation—celebration is the only appropriate response to resurrection from death. The father's 'this thy brother' (ὁ ἀδελφός σου οὗτος) reminds the elder son of family relationship, countering his bitter 'this thy son' (v.30). The dead/alive, lost/found contrasts frame salvation as resurrection and recovery, not mere moral improvement. The parable's open ending (we do not know if the elder brother joins the feast) leaves the Pharisees to decide their response to God's grace.
Historical Context
The elder brother represents the Pharisees—dutiful external service without heart transformation, resentment of grace shown to sinners, entitlement mentality ('thou never gavest me a kid,' v.29). His refusal to enter the feast mirrors Pharisaic rejection of Jesus' fellowship with sinners. The father's patient appeal ('Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine,' v.31) demonstrates God's kindness even to the self-righteous, inviting them to abandon their merit-based religion for grace. The parable warns that legalistic religion can be as far from God as scandalous sin.
Questions for Reflection
How does the elder brother's resentment expose the danger of religious duty without genuine love for God?
In what ways might you identify more with the elder brother than the prodigal, and how should this shape your response to God's grace?
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Analysis & Commentary
The father responds to the elder brother: 'It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found' (εὐφρανθῆναι δὲ καὶ χαρῆναι ἔδει, ὅτι ὁ ἀδελφός σου οὗτος νεκρὸς ἦν καὶ ἔζησεν, καὶ ἀπολωλὼς καὶ εὑρέθη). The verb 'edei' (ἔδει, it was necessary) indicates moral obligation—celebration is the only appropriate response to resurrection from death. The father's 'this thy brother' (ὁ ἀδελφός σου οὗτος) reminds the elder son of family relationship, countering his bitter 'this thy son' (v.30). The dead/alive, lost/found contrasts frame salvation as resurrection and recovery, not mere moral improvement. The parable's open ending (we do not know if the elder brother joins the feast) leaves the Pharisees to decide their response to God's grace.