Most know this parable as the parable of the prodigal son, but it could just as easily be known as the parable of the angry son. Because in this parable Jesus not only speaks of a younger prodigal son who after leaving his family and squandering his inheritance repents and returns to his father who joyfully receives his son. The parable also tells of an older son who refuses to join in celebrating his younger brother’s return and is angry at his father’s response. This parable about a father and his two sons can teach us much about God’s grace, true repentance, and the dangers of self-righteousness.
