A Year in Luke/ActsÀpẹrẹ

Up until now we’ve been looking at the celebratory tone of this chapter. This is actually what caused a real problem with Israel’s leaders, the ones Jesus is coming for with these parables. Jesus’ kingdom parties represent God's joyous welcome of every kind of person into his family. The only entry requirement is humility and repentance. In other words, this chapter—and the story of the prodigal son in particular—highlights the tragedy of Israel's leaders, rejecting Jesus and his community.