In Season 2 Episode 21 of Centered, we continue the conversation on the parable of the prodigal son and the deeper longing beneath our search for freedom, identity, and belonging. What if the story isn’t mainly about rebellion, but about the many ways we try to build life apart from the Father?

This episode explores the tension between self-righteousness and grace through the lens of Jesus’ most famous parable. Ben and David unpack why the older brother may actually be the center of the story, how both sons were disconnected from the Father’s heart, and why God’s grace is often harder to receive than we realize. Along the way, they discuss wonder, trust, free will, spiritual formation, and how the gospel reshapes our understanding of failure, belonging, and restoration.

The conversation also includes reflections on Pentecost Sunday, Star Wars nostalgia, the challenge of cultivating rest in a distracted world, and why “Maycember” might be the most accurate word ever invented. Plus, David finally disagrees with Freddie, Ben admits he relates most to the older brother, and the guys explore why rehearsing the gospel matters in real life.

If you’ve ever wrestled with shame, self-righteousness, or the fear that you’ve wandered too far from God, this episode is for you.