The Return of the Prodigal Son — A Journey Back Home This story is universal. It’s about rebellion. Regret. Redemption. And maybe most importantly… grace. The prodigal will return. Let’s begin with the story itself. You’ve probably heard it before — maybe in church, maybe in literature, maybe from a parent trying to teach a lesson. A man has two sons. One day, the younger son does something unthinkable: he demands his inheritance early. In essence, he’s saying, “I don’t want to wait until you’re gone. I want what’s mine now.” So the father gives it to him. And the son sets off for a distant land, full of dreams and freedom. He squanders the money — parties, indulgence, recklessness. Eventually, a famine hits. Broke and broken, he ends up feeding pigs, wishing he could eat what they’re eating. Then, something shifts. He remembers his father’s house. Even the servants there live better than this. So, he decides to go back — rehearsing his apology the whole way: “Father, I’ve sinned against heaven and against you. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” But before he even reaches the gate, his father sees him from far off — and runs to him. Not with anger. Not with “I told you so.” But with open arms. He calls for robes, a ring, a feast. “My son was lost… and now he’s found.” Have you ever thought to yourself, why does this parable still resonate in today's society? Because we’ve all been the younger son or daughter. We’ve made mistakes. We’ve run from what’s good. We’ve burned bridges. We’ve doubted we could ever be welcomed back. And maybe, sometimes, we’ve also been the father — hoping, waiting, heart open. This story isn’t just about forgiveness. It’s about the kind of love that sees you in your lowest place… and says, “You still belong.” Let’s take a moment to bring this into real life. Have you ever had a “prodigal” moment — where you lost your way? Maybe it wasn’t about money or travel. Maybe it was walking away from someone you loved. Losing touch with your faith. Giving up on yourself or even God. The truth is, the journey back — to ourselves, to grace, to reconciliation — is often the hardest one to make. But it starts with the decision to turn around. There’s also a second part of the story we can’t forget: the older brother. He’s furious when the younger son is celebrated. “I never left,” he says, “and you’ve never thrown a party for me.” He reminds us of something else: how hard it can be to forgive someone when we feel we’ve done everything right. How bitterness can creep in, even when grace is right there for us, too. So, what does The Return of the Prodigal Son ask of us? It asks us to believe in second chances — not just for others, but for ourselves. To practice radical welcome. To run toward those who return with humility. And to remember: coming home isn’t always about geography. It’s about the heart.  It also teaches that the Lord Jesus Christ is that Father watching and waiting to welcome us back home. If this episode moved you, share it with someone who might need to hear that it’s not too late to come home. Until next time… may you find grace knowing that the Lord Jesus is waiting on you to come back home.