The Celebration of Mercy: A Question for the Elder Brother
March 22, 2025 - Saturday of the Second Week of Lent
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Today’s Gospel begins with a statement that “the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, This man receives sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:1-2).
The first time Jesus ate in the company of tax-collectors and sinners was when Levi (or Matthew) gave a farewell party for his colleagues in the profession - he was leaving them to become Jesus’ apostle (Luke 5:27–31). But it was also the first time, the Pharisees and the scribes publicly expressed their disapproval of Jesus’ behaviour - a respectable rabbi should not associate himself with morally questionable characters. Then, we see Jesus again going to a house of a chief tax collector and a rich man, named Zacchaeus, and eating there, and again he was criticised for such inappropriate behaviour (Luke 19:1–10).
"A man had two sons" (Luke 15:11), the Pharisees and scribes - the older son, and the tax collectors and sinners - the younger son. The theme of two brothers is present on the pages of the Holy Scriptures from the beginning: Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, Esau and Jacob. We see this motif in the story of Joseph and his brothers as well. Jealousy and hatred nearly tore the family of Jacob apart. Unfortunately, we face the same problem in our families, communities, churches, nations, and the world.
The younger brother asks for his inheritance while his father is still alive, which in view of some scholars implies a wish that the father was dead. What could lead him to such a decision? On the other hand, the elder son remains at home with the father. One is free at last, the other continues his obedient service. But then, comes the day when the younger brother returns home - broke and feeling sorry for what he did. His father welcomes him with open arms, restores him, and celebrates his homecoming with a feast. It is indeed good news for all sinners who are still in “a distant country” far from God. However, the elder brother sees things differently.
The purpose of this parable was to move the hearts of the Pharisees and scribes. It explains Jesus’ compassionate attitude towards sinners. By the way Jesus acts, He reveals the Father (see Col. 1:15). This revelation of God’s love for sinners reaches its highest point at the Cross: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8, 2 Cor. 5:18-21).
Did the Pharisees hear Jesus’ pleading and join their ‘younger brother’ homecoming party? One did. His name was Saul of Tarsus, who considering himself blameless according to the law was persecuting the followers of Christ (Phil 3:6). But then, he experienced the newness of life by embracing as his brothers and sisters those he persecuted.