Jesus told the Parable of the Prodigal Son to two very different audiences, and the story has something to say to both. There are actually two lost sons in this story, not one. The younger son runs from God through open rebellion, while the older son runs from God through outward obedience and a heart that quietly keeps score. Both are far from home. The Father in the story pursues both sons with the same relentless love, running toward the younger while he is still far off and going out to plead with the older who stands outside in pride and resentment. Grace is not something we earn by cleaning ourselves up. It is the gift of a Father who runs toward anyone who takes even a single step in His direction. Finding Jesus brings us home, and following Jesus means learning to carry that same heart for others who are still lost.