The elder son (1) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

His older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf. But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.
Luke 15:25-28

The elder son (1)
The prodigal had returned home. He had confessed his guilt to his father, so the relationship was restored to one of fellowship, joy and merriment.

When the elder son came home from his work in the fields, he knew nothing of his brother's return. He was astonished to hear the sound of music coming from the house. A servant answered his inquiry with a brief, factual explanation.

He was surprised that his brother had returned. That his father had forgiven him and had the fatted calf killed to celebrate annoyed him greatly. How could the father grant such a favour for one so unworthy? In his indignation he turned away.

This explains the reason for the parables in Luke 15. The Pharisees and scribes had complained that Jesus received sinners and ate with them (vv. 1.2). The elder son is an illustration of these religious people, who could not rejoice but were angry that grace was shown to such unworthy, guilty persons. For them it did not count that sinners had repented and turned to God. Those self-righteous people preferred being outside, away from "publicans and sinners", but also far from God the Father.

(to be concluded on Saturday)

Today's reading: Jeremiah 52:17-34 · Romans 16:17-27