As I read the book of Luke, I believe that Jesus was conveying the message that a parent has over the years developed a sense of grace, understanding, and forgiveness of their childrens mistakes and shortcomings. They are willing to give their own children the benefit of the doubt and a second and third chance. In many cases love overrides objectiveness and critical thinking. Does anyone wonder if any of the fathers servants would have been welcomed back so quickly had they made a decision to leave? The three principals in this parable are the father, the elder son and the younger, or what I will call the wayward son. To me the father represents the symbol of Gods unconditional love, understanding, and forgiveness. The eldest brother represents the many of Gods children who...