In this parable, we see the prodigal planner and the party pooper.

As the younger son returns with his pre-prepared plan to be a hired servant and hopefully work his way back into his father’s favour, the father contradicts his plan as he welcomes him and reinstates him into the family.  It is such a clear picture of the grace and mercy of God towards us.  We cannot get ourselves right before God – it is all his grace and mercy.

The older son like the younger son is also lost although it is more difficult to see.  He refuses to come into the party, he does not believe his father is acting fairly.  He shows that he like his brother also only wanted what his father could give him rather than wanting the father himself.