I can see a parallel between the story of the prodigal son and with the story of Joseph.
Joseph was living a good life with his Father, as was the younger brother with his father.
Both left there father, the circumstances were different, but they both ended up in a far off land, and they were dealing with a lot of trails and difficulties.
As the younger son 'came to himself' he went to his father, sounds like us coming to our senses, when God dragged us to Him.
In Joseph's story his father sent his brothers unknowingly, to seek help from their brother. It was a very difficult thing for them to except Joseph as being their ruler. There could be seen a parallel there as to the church most certainly will not want the elect to rule over them.
Now the older brother was complaining about what the Father had given the younger son.
Luk 15:31 And he said to him, Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.
If you notice, this is after the younger son had returned home and was received back unto the father, maybe this is a parallel to the reward of the first resurrection.
So this seems like to me the older brother is not happy about what he received.
It is the same as in the parable of the workers in the vineyard.
Mat 20:10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius.
Mat 20:11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house,
This unwillingness to forgive what we see as faults of others is also shown in the parable of the unmerciful servant.
Mat 18:32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
Mat 18:33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?'
Mat 18:34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.
Mat 18:35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
I think all of these parables are showing the same thing, that the Father will reward as He sees fit,
And nobody should be bothered or jealous, because it is the Father who rewards as He so chooses.
mercy, peace,a nd love
Kat