I am studying Luke 15:1-3; 11-32, the Parable of the Prodigal Son for my sermon on March 28. Once again it is a powerful example of experiential storytelling.

"…this narrative presents neither son as a model uniformly to be followed or avoided. God delights in the repentance of prodigals, but he would prefer that they not have to sink so low before coming to their senses. God cherishes the faithfulness of those who obey his will but does not want them to despise the rebellious who have repented. The parable is strikingly open-ended. Did the older brother come in the house and join the festivities? Jesus does not say, and it misreads the parable to attempt to answer the question. The important fact is that the invitation remains for all who hear or read and are willing to respond and rejoice." Interpreting the Parables, Blomberg, pp. 178-179.

Jesus leaves it open ended so that we enter the story and answer the question ourselves. What a powerful story.