In Luke, the Parable of the Prodigal Son reveals the character of God and his expectation that all sinners may return to a father-son relationship with him. In response, they acknowledged their sinful life and came to Jesus for healing and forgiveness, while the Pharisees considered themselves good enough according to God's standards Thus the Parable of the Prodigal Son reveals both God's love for those who were ready to accept it (the prodigal son who returns to his father), and his rejection of the Pharisees' self-centered righteousness (the older son in the parable).

In these four messages by Raul Ries we find that the contrast between the two sons is an important point in the parable.