Luke 15
A Father and His Two Sons
Both sons had misunderstood their father. Jesus told their story to people who'd misunderstood God.
Religious people were complaining because Jesus welcomed sinners and ate with them. They thought He ought to know better. Jesus answered them with a story about a father and his two sons.
The younger son asked for his inheritance while his dad was still alive. Then he took the money, left home, and blew it. When he finally decided to go back, he had a speech ready. He'd sinned against his father. He wasn't worthy to be called his son anymore. Maybe his dad would hire him.
His father saw him coming from a long way off and ran to meet him. He threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son began his speech, but he never got to the part about being hired. His dad was calling for a robe, a ring, shoes, and a feast. He was glad his boy was home. ()
The older brother wasn't glad. He'd stayed home and done everything he was supposed to do. Now his screwup brother got a party? He refused to go inside, so his father came out to him, too. The son complained about all the years he'd slaved for his dad without so much as a goat to share with his friends. He'd been living with a generous father and thinking of him as a stingy boss.
His father told him, "You are always with me, and all that is mine is yours." () He wanted his older son to come in and enjoy being with him, too. Both sons had misunderstood their father. Jesus told that story to people who'd misunderstood God.
— tobe