This parable follows two other parables, one with a lost coin, another with a lost sheep. When the lost is found, their story ends in a celebration / party.
Jesus never finishes this parable. He leaves the story hanging without resolution, and He turns his gaze over to the Pharisees. He doesn’t say a word, but the look on his face says it all: “Are you going to join the party or not?”
So… When is come to your relationship with God who Jesus likens to a merciful father…
Are you going to join the party or not?