The Parable of the Prodigal Son (also known as the parable of the Two Brothers, Lost Son, Loving Father, or of the Forgiving Father) is one of the parables of Jesus in the Bible, appearing in Luke 15:11–32.[i] The setting in vv. 1-3 has Jesus tell three stories to a group of Pharisees and scribes who were complaining that he welcomes and eats with sinners: (1) a man throws a party after finding the one lost sheep among his one hundred sheep (vv. 4–7); (2) a woman throws a party after finding the one lost coin among her ten coins (vv. 8–10); (3) a man throws a party after finding the one lost son among his two sons. The first two stories are said to typify the celestial party when sinners repent. This progressive set of narratives climaxes with the third story, which best reflects the setting. The refusal of the older son to join the party directly relates to the refusal of Jesus´ hearers to join him in partying with the sinners who had come to him. Likewise, the incomplete third story—we don´t know if the older son ever joined the party—parallels the situation of Jesus´ listeners—do they ever come to accept sinners as he does? More importantly, do they ever come to accept heaven´s joy at the repentance of sinners?
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