The older brother refuses to go in and celebrate but his father is persistent in entreating him. We give thanks for God’s persistence with us. He is the saviour of both the Pharisees and the “tax collectors and sinners”. There is both self righteousness and rebellion in all of us. This story ends with a choice; the Pharisees can stay outside and be self-righteous or acknowledge their sin and enter in. Judgement will come on those who remain outside.