The parable of the prodigal son is one of the most well-known stories Jesus told, but its ending often leaves us with a powerful and challenging question: Why is the elder son, the “good” son, left outside the celebration?

The elder son represents those of us who have been faithful, diligent, and obedient. He stayed home, worked the fields, and did everything “right.” Yet, when his younger brother returns, broken and repentant, and their father celebrates with joy, the elder son is consumed by resentment. He refuses to enter the house, staying outside while the music and dancing fill the air.

This story’s conclusion shifts the focus from the prodigal son’s return to the elder son’s heart. It invites us to reflect on our own struggles with resentment and self-righteousness.