As we watch family and friends leave the faith, are we more like the elder brother, the father--or the younger son? It is crucial that periodically we preach on the Prodigal Son. Like the Easter story and the Christmas story, t bears repeating, for the story of the Prodigal Son is the Gospel in capsule. We do not extend grace to prodigals, but simply share grace we have received and are still receiving.The story of the Prodigal Son, also known as the Parable of the Lost Son, follows the parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin. Jesus is responding to the Pharisees' complaint: "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."