Prodigal Sons: Recklessness and Self-Righteousness Explored

The parable of Luke 15:11-32 reveals that both sons are prodigals, each squandering their sonship in distinct ways. The term "prodigal" means reckless or wasteful, and this applies not only to the younger son, who openly wastes his inheritance through reckless living and self-centeredness, but also to the older son, whose wastefulness is more subtle yet equally damaging.

The younger son’s prodigality is evident in his blatant rejection of his identity as a son, choosing to live for himself and ultimately losing everything. However, the older son embodies a different kind of prodigality through self-righteousness, entitlement, and a joyless, judgmental attitude. He believes his obedience and sacrifices have earned him a special status, but this mindset reduces his relationship with the father to a transactional one, akin to that of a hireling rather than a beloved son.

This older brother syndrome manifests as resentment, anger, and a refusal to celebrate the restoration of the younger brother. His entitlement blinds him to the father’s grace and love, leading to bitterness and a failure to rejoice over the salvation of others. Such an attitude is a form of religious loss, where outward obedience masks an inward disconnection from the joy and freedom of true sonship.

Both sons, therefore, are prodigals because they squander their sonship—one through reckless living, the other through self-righteous entitlement. The older brother’s attitude is just as destructive as the younger’s because it results in spiritual death characterized by joylessness, isolation, and a failure to embrace identity in Christ ([01:46]; [03:31]; [05:07]; [16:28]).

True sonship is rooted in identity in Christ, which transcends behavior and performance. It is a gift grounded in God’s love, not a reward earned by good deeds. Embracing this identity guards against both reckless wastefulness and entitlement, fostering a life marked by humility, gratitude, and joy ([08:32]).

The antidote to both forms of prodigality is joy and gratitude—joy in God’s unconditional love and delight in His children. When believers rest in their sonship, gratitude overflows, crushing resentment and entitlement. This joy enables them to rejoice genuinely over the salvation of others and to live out their identity in Christ with humility and love ([53:26]).

In essence, the parable teaches that the true danger lies not only in reckless living but also in self-righteousness and entitlement. Both distort the meaning of sonship and lead away from the heart of God. Embracing sonship as a gift, cultivating joy and gratitude, and rejoicing in God’s love for all His children are essential to living in the fullness of that identity.

This article was written by an AI tool for churches, based on a sermon from Risen Church, one of 60 churches in Boulder, CO