Rebellion, Ruin, Restoration

The Pharisees were critical of Jesus interacting with tax-collectors (who were hated for cooperating with the Roman occupiers of the land) and with others who were viewed as sinners. Jesus rebuked this attitude by telling a story about a reckless youth who squandered his inheritance, dishonored his father, and ultimately repented. His father received him with open arms, but his older brother (representing the Pharisees) resented him. Jesus created and told this parable to teach that we are not to resent it when grievous sinners repent, we are to rejoice!