This week we hear the story of two young men trying to find themselves in the world. One of them is desperate to be independent – he’s afraid he might miss out on the meaning of life, he wants to travel, to see new things, have new experiences. His older brother stays at home with their father. He’s diligent, hardworking, and seems determined to build his identity on being a solid, reliable, middle-class citizen. Who do you identify with in this story? Who do you judge? Is the younger brother a fool for being reckless, or the older brother just plain boring, wasting his life and never seeing the world beyond the father’s estate?
When the younger son returns, the father throws a lavish feast, he is overjoyed and celebrates, and he invites everyone else to celebrate with him. That party is happening here and now, and Jesus’ question to us is: “will you come in?” Will you find your identity in the unconditional love the Father has for you, or would you rather stay outside and do things your own way?
Jacob Traeger
