Hello, I'm new here and looking for some 'peace' re: the Prodigal Son story. This has bothered me for years...
It all makes sense to me except for the older son.
Why does everyone say that he didn't go into the party because it was for the younger son?
I think he didn't go into the party because he was left out in the field working and uninvited. He came upon the party by chance... then his father says, "Oh, come on in to the party."
I don't interpret him as being judgemental or ill-feeling toward having the younger brother home... I think he's feeling like his father doesn't appreciate him. And in response, the father negates his feelings as if they are invalid.
Someone higher up in this discussion pointed out that they were having this same type of problem with the story and would like to find resolution. I am also in the same position and did not see the answer. I hope I didn't miss it.