Once again Jesus expounds the theme. This time, it's not a coin or a sheep, it's a son. Coins have no will of their own, sheep have some, but a human can choose.
This boy has chosen to turn his back on his father and his home, and set out for an adventure. He needs to learn for himself that money and fun are shortlived entertainment.
Dad meekly lets him go. One can only wonder what the older brother had to say at this point.There's a clue in the end of the story as to their different attitudes towards the young prodigal. When they talk about him, neither of them use his name. The older brother refers to "this son of yours," while the father calls him "your brother."
Older brother has disowned his wayward sibling. He's nothing to do with me any more. He's "your son," not "my brother." But the father resists this redefinition of the family. As far as he's concerned, he's still got two sons. One faithful, one wayward. But the faithful son is angry that his father won't denounce the wayward son.
The righteous pharisees are angry that Jesus refuses to denounce the tax collectors and sinners. So its clear that this pointed story is aimed at them.
They think they're upright. Jesus thinks they're uptight.
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