“Ultimately, the film is used as a hook. The ultimate goal in watching is to get people to understand—and live—the parable,” Purifoy says. “We hope it opens people’s eyes so they can experience some emotional and intellectual resonances. Maybe it’ll even give you a perspective you haven’t had before.”

Set at a large and prosperous healthcare company not unlike those found in any given city today, the wealthy father’s two sons, Andrew and Jake, work for him of course. The older son, the classic Type A-personality that’s dedicated to hard work and the achievement that comes with it, wins a huge account worth 15 million dollars. Meanwhile the younger son just doesn’t have time in his social calendar to work that hard, so he spends his days golfing and in the company of pretty women. Deciding his rather limited corporate life isn’t really the life for him, the younger son eventually asks his father for his share in the company. And despite the counsel of his board and the hit the company might take financially, the father grants his younger son’s request anyway.  

Of course, everyone knows what happens next, but there are still hidden themes that are particularly worth noting. One of the truths that’s uncovered is one that Scotty Smith, founding Pastor of Christ Community Church in Franklin, Tenn., thinks the church could stand to hear. In the featured commentary section of The Prodigal Sons, Smith says the real issue is pride versus humility. “There are more older brothers than younger brothers in today’s church.”

For Purifoy, the account is yet another intriguing reminder of how things work in God’s economy. “Ultimately, it is a parable about two lost sons whom God is seeking. Jesus is calling self-righteous people to examine themselves in light of their relationship to God and their brothers.”

For more information about Modern Parables or to watch the trailer for The Prodigal Sons, please visit www.modernparable.com.