“It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.” (Luke 15:33)
These words are addressed to the son who stayed home and served his father. As we know, he had a hard time understanding his father’s joy and why the father was even throwing a party—something that had never happened for him. He thought about how his brother had recklessly squandered everything and was not willing to take part in the festivities celebrating his return.
But if he had listened carefully to his father, he would have understood better. Living far from God and in sin is like death. True life—the life the Heavenly Father intended for humanity—dies. Inner joy and inner peace cannot unfold in a person’s life; moreover, they lack a higher perspective on life. This dire state, which some people barely notice, robs a person of the dignity of their divine sonship, and it is only truly restored when they turn back to God. Thus, the Father was ready to restore the prodigal son to his sonship!
This is cause for joy for everyone, even for the brother who does not yet fully understand this love. In the wonderful parable, however, the Father also seeks out the son who feels disadvantaged and says to him: “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” (v. 32)
This is what the son who remained faithful must understand. He never left the Father and always lived in His favor, and so he was spared much misfortune. But now he should rejoice that the lost brother has returned home.
NOTE: Due to its complexity, the video on the Parable of the Prodigal Son will be posted soon.