Rest of the Story
The parable of the prodigal son gives us an example of foolishness and the amazing love the Father, welcoming his wayward son back with open arms. A great feast is prepare and the feeling of rejoicing electrifies the air. A ring on his finger, shoes on his feet and a new robe showed him to be part of the family. Celebration, a lost son is found. But one person wasn't celebrating, the older brother. Why? Did the brother expect irresponsibility to be punished instead of welcomed with open arms. He remained faithful, responsible and yet their was no feast for him. Yet the father told him, I love you.”
Are we willing to forgive mistakes? Is Jesus making a point in the actions of this older brother? Do you think Jesus would have liked a better ending, - The prodigal son and the rest of the story.
Months after the younger son left and nothing heard, the older son said, “Father, I'm worried about my brother and I want to go look for him."
The father replied, "I have already lost one son, I can't lose you."
"I promise I will find my brother and bring him back", the son said.
"No!", the father again replied, "I can't take the chance of something happening to you. You must stay."
The older brother doesn't give up but continues, "You know we can't continue to endure the pain and emptiness of having him gone. I've seen the toll it is taking on you. I have seen you up on the hill during the day gazing down the road in hopes of seeing him. I've seen the tears in your eyes and the emptiness on your face. I know you want him back."
"Yes" the father says quietly, "But much worse if I lost you too."
The son lovingly but firmly say, "Father I have made up my mind, I am going to look for my brother. I promise I will return and bring him back to our family." The father and mother reluctantly help prepare the boy for his trip. They continue to try and talk him out of going but he has made up his mind. The morning comes for him to leave and they hug at the gate. Thinking this may be the last hug and the last time they see their boy, they don't want to let go. Unable to convince their oldest son to stay, they watch as he disappears out of sight.
They tried to keep busy but the father found himself out at the hill more and more, hopefully looking for them to return. Months pass and there is no word. More than once they fought off the thought of never seeing them again. Many tears were shed, many sleepless nights, and the months turned into years. The emptiness grew and the hope faded. They knew he shouldn't have gone. With him here they at least had one son, but now they have no sons.
One day while the father was up on the hill, he saw someone coming. As they drew closer he saw there was two men. As he squinted to see who it was his stomach was starting to churn inside. There had been visitors before and each time his stomach would do the same thing. All at once he realized these men were not visitors but his sons. He flew down the hill and tears streaming down his cheeks, ran to embrace his sons. He had so much to say, but no words. All he wanted to do was hold them. The younger son was asking for forgiveness for his sin and for all the pain he had brought to the family. All the father could do was hold him and nod his head. The mother came running from the house to meet them. Tears and joy and smiles and relief all came crashing together. The older brother had searched everywhere for his brother and finally found him in a pig sty. He was hungry, dirty, but he was my brother. He was ready to come home but he was afraid. I told him we all wanted him home so much and he finally agreed.
Everyone's heart were bursting with joy and happiness, especially the father. "I have both my sons back and we are going to celebrate." the father shouted with excitement, "Kill the fatted calf, no kill two fatted calves. Get this boys some new clothes and let's celebrate."
The youngest son said, "I don't deserve to be your son any more or even a part of this family. All I deserve is to be one of your servants."
The oldest son jumped in, "Look, you are my brother and whatever is left of the inheritance, we'll split it in half."
Then the father said, "You are my son and you will always be my son. We love you!"
Unconditional love is the example set before us by Jesus in the way he deals with us his wayward sons and daughters. This is the example we need to follow.
ã Jim Ness
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