“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him” (Luke 15:28, NIV).
My sister Binu is 13 months younger than I am. Regardless of the age gap, certain expectations are placed on the older sibling. We constantly hear things like, “Take care of your little sister!”
My earliest memory of this is when we were in preschool. It was picture day, and Binu wouldn't stop crying, so the teachers got me out of class to stand next to her during the picture. That's what big sisters are for!
Scripture is full of stories involving siblings, including a fictional pair in Luke 15. In the chapter, the Pharisees were complaining that Jesus “welcomes sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2, NIV). Jesus responded with a story commonly known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son, which begins with these words: “There was a man who had two sons” (Luke 15:11, NIV).
The younger son demanded his inheritance from the father, then set off to a faraway country. He recklessly spent his money, only to end up in desperate need during a famine. He eventually returned home, into the loving arms of a waiting father. Everyone celebrated his return … well, almost everyone.
“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him” (Luke 15:28).
In the Ancient Near East, the elder brother was expected to be their “brother’s keeper” (Genesis 4:9, NIV). In Jesus’ parable, there is no mention of the older brother until after the younger brother returned. Where was the older brother during all of this? Did he try to talk his younger brother out of leaving? Did he go after his younger brother once he was gone?
Remember who Jesus was addressing — the Pharisees and teachers of the law. In this parable, the older brother represented the Pharisees. They did everything right on the outside but neglected the more important things like justice, faith, and mercy. As religious leaders, they were to faithfully instruct and shepherd the flock of Israel (represented by the younger brother). Instead, the Pharisees were judgmental and critical.
We often put ourselves in the prodigal son’s shoes — we’ve all wasted the grace of our heavenly Father at some point in our lives. But I’ve also seen myself as the elder brother — pious instead of protective, cynical instead of celebratory. That’s not the heart of our Father. God wants us to take care of our little brothers and sisters in His family.
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14, NIV).
Maybe this looks like being a listening ear and a prayer warrior, offering wisdom and guidance from Scripture and your own experience, or testifying to God's faithfulness in your life.
We can speak life and love into our lost younger sisters in Christ, reminding them that they can come back home.
Heavenly Father, forgive me for not seeing my lost brothers and sisters as You do. Help me to be like Jesus, the true and perfect elder brother who devoted His life to seeking and saving the lost. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Can anxiety ever be cured? Can Satan influence our thoughts? Don’t miss questions like these being answered by Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and counselor Jim Cress on a recent Therapy & Therapy episode “When Healing Feels Slow, Relationships Are Strained, and God Seems Silent.” Start listening now!
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Galatians 6:1, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (NIV).
James 5:19-20, “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins” (NIV).
How can you be a good older sister in the family of God? Can you share an example of when someone was a good older sister to you?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2026 by Anitha Abraham. All rights reserved.
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