The story of the Prodigal Son is one of the most touching parables of all Scripture. The picture of a loving father running with open arms to his repentant son has been a model of forgiveness and grace that has comforted many spiritual runaways and anxious parents over the years. While the story is most clearly about the grace of the Father and the different responses to that grace between the two brothers, there is an aspect that is scarcely considered - the wounds of the father from his sons. Though the younger son ultimately finds his own healing in the father’s arms, it is actually the father who is most deeply wounded in this prodigal story. Consider these wounds of the father.

• The Wound of Selfish Ingratitude - The younger son’s attitude was, “give me what is coming to me.” There is no thanks for the father’s provision, let alone gratitude for the father’s presence in the younger son’s life.
• The Wound of Abandonment and Separation - The younger son cared nothing about leaving and separating himself physically and emotionally from the father. There would be no phone calls or emails, the son wanted nothing to do from the father in his future.
• The Wound of Squandered Potential and Reckless Living - The younger son had everything going for him, but his foolish way of thinking and rebellious attitude was a total rejection of the faith and values his father had raised him with.
• The Wound of Impending Self Destruction - The father knew that the trajectory of the son’s decisions would only end in pitiful disaster, yet he watched his son walk away. Knowing where a rebellious son’s decisions will lead him is a painful wound to carry.
• The Wound of Not Knowing - Though the father had hope that the son may one day return, he had to wrestle with the painful reality that his son might be lost and dead.

These are the wounds that are associated the younger son, who is oft referred to as “The Prodigal Son.” However, the story begins, “There was a man who had two sons.” The story takes an unexpected twist when the father turns his attention to the older son, who also wounds the father deeply. 

• The Wound of Bitterness and Disdain - The older son had nothing but contempt for his younger brother, and when the father chose to show his youngest son grace, that bitterness and disdain were directed toward the father.
• The Wound of Self-Righteous Ingratitude - The ingratitude of the older son was born out of a self-righteous belief that his service and obedience to the father meant that the father owed him something. His self-righteous ingratitude prevented him from sharing in the joy of his father.
• The Wound of Unforgiveness - The older son’s refusal to forgive his brother wounded the father deeply, because there was nothing the father wanted more than to see his family restored once more.

Father /// Wound is a new IMPACT Cohort study for men who want to become healthy men thriving in their relationships. When a man is willing to acknowledge the hurt, experience the healing, and share the hope that comes from the Father /// Wound study, he will become a better husband, father, and leader. Step forward with courage here.