From the "The Parable of the Prodigal Son," briefly characterize the older brother."The Parable of the Prodigal Son"

The older brother is noted for his self-righteous and
unforgiving attitude toward his younger brother. He reminds his father that he never
strayed as did the younger son, had remained faithful throughout his life; yet the
younger brother's return is accompanied by great rejoicing. He finds this both unfair
and unjust. His attitude is exemplified in his haughty reference to "this son of yours"
rather than to the younger as his brother.

The older
brother represents the Jews who followed the Law and expected to be rewarded for their
faithfulness; they criticized Jesus for eating with "publicans and sinners." The essence
of the parable is one of grace: unmerited favor. The younger son certainly received more
than he deserved; yet the point of the story is that all people who return to God the
Father receive more than they deserve. The older brother's resentment is typical of
those whose "holier than thou" attitude causes them to feel that those less diligent
should receive less than they.