The Elder Brother

Faithful in the field but resents the feast; will not go in; the father comes out to entreat him; cannot say my brother, says this thy son. Failure mode: Service without sonship; bitterness at unearned mercy. Restoration path: Receive that all the father has is yours; rejoice that the brother is alive. Markers: faithful service outwardly; anger at unearned mercy; disowning language for the returned; father comes out to him too; ending left open