One of the most profound readings that I have read on the parable of the Good Samaritan is by one of my favorite Theologian, Karl Barth. He writes in Church Dogmatics I.2.

In Tolkien's classic novel, Lord of the Rings, there appear two of my favorite characters - Tom Bombadil and his lady Goldberry. They offer a much needed sanctuary to the four lost Hobbits. They play the perfect host by offering them bath, food, bed. They are a symbol of pure joy.

In an alternative reading of the parable of the Prodigal Son, I always wondered that there was something odd about this Father figure. A father who didn't raise his sons well. A father who forgets to invite the older son for the party...