Family dynamics are so fun! If you are a parent, Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son is so full of them!

My oldest daughter is a typical firstborn. Responsible. Hardworking. She has a strong sense of justice and fairness. You should see her give the marching orders to her three younger siblings on any given school morning as she hastily gets everyone to her car on time. Drill sergeants in the Marine Corps could learn a thing or two from her. Some may even call it bossy.

But firstborns don’t have it easy. Where they once had the undivided attention of their parents, they have had to learn to share the spotlight. They also were the recipients of first-time parents who watched their every move and over-parented them at every turn. Second-borns and beyond get a more relaxed version of parenting that usually tends to make them more carefree and sometimes less responsible.

Jesus’ telling of the parable makes so much sense to me as a parent of four children. Our children deep down love each other but can often be the most critical of one another or have a difficult time celebrating one other. And they love to see another sibling face the consequences of their actions.

So, when the older brother comes back from the field to the sound of music and dancing at the celebration of the younger brother’s return, I know exactly what his face looked like.

His reaction is very human. A reaction that most of us would quite honestly have. We demand justice for others’ mistakes but hope for mercy and grace when it comes to our own lives.

Thankfully we have a Father who knows how to parent all of us and seeks to bring us all back into relationship with Him and one another. He will parent our hearts in the best ways and reveal Himself as we trust Him.

Reflection: Who do you identify with most in the parable? Are you the older brother? Do you find it difficult to celebrate when unexpected grace is shown toward others? How have your family dynamics shaped your heart toward others?