The Parable of the Lost Son: How to Claim Your Spiritual Inheritance

We all know the Parable of the Lost Son—how a wayward younger brother squandered his inheritance but returned home to a loving, forgiving father. But there’s another figure in the story who often gets overlooked: the elder son.

He never left. He stayed loyal, served faithfully, and kept the rules. But when his brother returned and their father threw a feast, the elder son didn’t rejoice—he resented.

He said, “All these years I’ve slaved for you… and you never gave me even one young goat to celebrate with my friends.” (Luke 15:29)

And the father responds with something profound:
“My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.”

Everything. I have. Is yours.

This part of the parable isn’t just about a hurt brother—it’s about many of us. Those who’ve been walking with Jesus for years, serving diligently, showing up at church, doing the right things… and yet, somewhere along the way, have forgotten what’s already ours.

The inheritance wasn’t just for the prodigal son. The elder brother had access to the same abundance—he just never claimed it.

It’s easy to fall into that same mindset. We work hard, stay faithful, but live unaware of the blessings already available to us—healing, peace, joy, strength, wisdom, spiritual authority. We wait for God to reward our effort, forgetting that through Jesus, the reward is already given.

There’s more than enough for both sons. And more than enough for you.

Here are four simple but powerful steps to begin:

1. Recognise What’s Already Been Given

Ephesians 1:3 says, “God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.”
It starts with knowing—really knowing—that your inheritance is already available because of Jesus.

2. Ask with Confidence

James 4:2 reminds us: “You do not have because you do not ask God.”
Don’t be passive. Ask boldly for wisdom, healing, strength, provision, peace—whatever aligns with God’s Word and will.

3. Align Your Life with the Father’s House

The elder son lived in the house but missed the heart of the Father. Stay close to God’s presence—not just through service, but through relationship, prayer, worship, and the Word.

4. Live as an Heir, Not a Servant

Romans 8:17 says, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.”
Start speaking and acting from a place of sonship. Stop striving. Start receiving. Your identity changes how you live.

So here’s the invitation: Don’t let your inheritance go unclaimed. Don’t let faithfulness turn into bitterness. Live in the fullness that Jesus already paid for—step into the abundance that’s been yours all along.