Most often, when I've read this story, I've seen myself in the position of the prodigal son. The younger one. The one running home, the one receiving the Father's amazing love and grace. It's a very uplifting story if you're the younger son.
And at times I have to say I definitely am this one - running back to God for his forgiveness again.
But in the actual context, Jesus is telling this story to illustrate God's love and acceptance for people who haven't grown up in the church. People who don't know all the right answers, who aren't comfortable in religious settings, who'd stand out like a sore thumb if they came to church. Unlike me. I've been in the church all my life - it's my home environment. I'm actually employed to do church work.
In this context, I'm the older brother, who's been at home working hard - but struggles to love and accept the "sinners" - drug dealers, prostitutes, pick pockets, criminals, drunks, cheaters... prodigals.
It's a bit more confronting from that angle. It turns out I'm the nasty one in the story. And it brings up some hard questions I need to ask of myself....
I serve God every week, a lot. But do I really care - like God does - for these "sinners"?
In the story, it was the younger son who got the happy ending. What will it be for me?
The older brother worked hard for "God" all his life, but ended up with no love and grace - somehow he missed the point along the way. Am I missing it too?
Maybe my life spent in church has made me more like a Pharisee than I'd ever realised. I talk about how important it is to show love and grace, but is it just talk? Jesus tells this story to criticize people just like me.
How many times have I heard this story? and yet have I been blind to the real point all this time? Too caught up in religion and church work?
He was talking to me.
God, help me hear it now.
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