The story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) is a familiar one. Recently, I read it with new eyes as I considered the context:  Jesus constantly challenging the self-righteousness of the religious leaders. The message of the story is very much directed to the “older brothers” in his audience (15:1-2).

The younger son takes what he can get. The older takes nothing but resents his slavish service. The younger brother, symbolizing the “tax collectors and sinners all gathering around to hear Jesus,” was restored, but the older brother, the muttering “Pharisees and the teachers of the law,” was not – at least in the time-frame of this story.

God’s word is for all people:  those who feel unworthy are repeated shown they are welcome and then invited to “sin no more;” those who feel “too worthy” are repeatedly reminded they are not, but are invited to humble themselves and join the party.

“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.” (15:28) The older brother is invited to the party, but he can’t see past his own resentment.

I want to be a person throwing open the door to the party, inviting both “younger brothers” and “older brothers” to celebrate with the Father. I pray that any of my own obedience does not point to me, but to God, not for my self-righteousness but for His glory. I pray not to be smug or exclusive or intimidating, but Christ’s representative flinging wide the doors so the music can be heard outside and the aroma of the banquet feast entice others in.