- Obedience to Jesus (vs 3-5)
- Likeness to Jesus (vs 6-8)
- Loving like Jesus (vs 9-11)
Jesus affirms the acceptance of sinners:
- The (Lost) Son (vs. 11-20)
- The Father (vs. 20-24)
- The Elder Son (brother) and hostile reaction (vs. 25-30)
- Pleadings and love of the Father (vs.28-32)