Older Brother
Canvas: 48” x 60”
Time: Approx. 3 hours
Cost: $2,000
Artist Statement
Theme: Imperfect People Belong, Even Stubborn Hearts (Prodigal Son--Older Brother)
“His father said, ‘Son, you don’t understand. You’re with me all the time, and everything that is mine is yours—but this is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he’s alive! He was lost, and he’s found!’” Luke 15:31-32
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5
Image: Jesus intentionally left the ending of story of the Prodigal Son open-ended, allowing us to choose the ending for ourselves. This painting tells the happy ending. In my own life, I have tended to act more like the older brother--following rules to ‘earn’ Father’s love with expectations of specific rewards. This leads me straight to comparing myself to others and their rewards, to make my case for what I ‘deserve.’ Finally, I get resentful and I can’t join in the party. But, Father reminds me that he has already given me EVERYTHING in Christ, without having to earn it! He pleads with me to receive the gift, then celebrate, and keep celebrating each time a sibling receives the gift. In the painting, the older brother’s heart explodes with joy as he strips off his cloak of shame (rule following)--he is naked and FREE as he dances crazier than anyone at the party, doing back flips! Father’s love has literally turned his world upside down. He floats weightlessly now, as if in water, being born of the Spirit as Father stands by with arms outstretched, intensely eager to hold his newborn child. Now it is a double celebration!!