The greatest short story ever told—The Parable of the Prodigal Son—might just as accurately be called The Parable of the Lost Sons. As the story unfolds, we discover, not only did the younger son leave home looking for freedom, but the one who stayed home also became lost. Why do we give so much attention to the sons, when it’s the Father who stands at the center of the story? His response to both sons reveals the very heart of God—one full of compassion and grace. The real question is: Are we interested in becoming like the Father?

Your mind has the capacity to take you places that are very dangerous for your soul. This episode explores the Parable of the Prodigal Son through the lens of the older brother. This story really could be called the Parable of the Prodigal Sons (plural), because not only did the younger son lose his way, but the one who stayed home also became lost. Ultimately, getting lost has nothing to do with one’s physical location. We don’t have to run away to get lost. When we allow our minds to take us to dark places, it’s easy to get lost at home.

The things that preoccupy our minds expose the place we truly call home. This episode explores the Parable of the Prodigal Son through the lens of the younger brother. When we place ourselves in the story, it becomes clear that leaving home is more than a physical state; it’s a spiritual problem. In the far country, we become deaf to the voice of the Father. Leaving home is ultimately disbelief that God provides everything we need.