What does Luke 15:29 mean?
Jesus continues the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–12). The father has come outside to the older son to try to convince him to join the celebration (Luke 15:25–28).The story turns ironic. The younger son, having returned home in repentance after disgracing his family, is inside the home, enjoying a party (Luke 15:22–24). The elder son, who has remained with his father, slaving for him, is now feeling like an outsider. He is resentful that the father has made such extravagant fuss over his wayward brother (Luke 15:30), while the obedient son has been given nothing to celebrate with his friends. By making this comparison, he reveals that he doesn't really understand what is going on.
The celebration isn't about the younger son. It isn't in honor of his newfound humility or even his return to his father. The celebration is an invitation into the outpouring of the father's joy. True, the father has given a ring and the best robe to the younger son, but that too comes from the father's joy, not any honor the younger son deserves. The father is inviting the older son to join in his joy; how could a "celebration" with a mere goat amongst friends compare?
"Served" is from the Greek root word douleuō, forming terms related to slaves and slavery. Whether dramatically or sincerely, the older son claims his father is treating him as a slave, not a son. He doesn't seem to remember that whatever work he accomplishes builds his own inheritance (Luke 15:31).
