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The prodigal son has been claimed oftentimes to represent the repentant soul, this makes its identity clear. I believe there is more to the story. The father said all things belong to the first child who has always been obedient to him. Who is the first child?
I wouldn't agree it's Jesus since he can't in any way be envious of people. It is related that the first child was envious when the father killed the fattest cow for the returned son. Who does he symbolize?
In the parable of the prodigal son, the forgiving father is a picture of God, and the parable highlights His patience and love towards those who are lost.
The younger son symbolises the lost and the elder brother represents the self-righteous. In Jesus' day the self-righteous would be the Pharisees. The parable is about the restoration of a believer into fellowship with the Father.
More information here: https://www.gotquestions.org/parable-prodigal-son.html
