The parable of the prodigal son is one of the most favored stories in the Bible, and it's one that many can relate to.

When Jesus shared the story, He was speaking to the Pharisees and Sadducees, leaders in the synagogues who lived strict lives in obedience to the laws of the Torah. They harshly judged others who failed to meet their strict standards and showed little grace and mercy.

By taking a closer look at the culture and traditions of the Israelites in Jesus's day, we can dig more deeply into the meaning of this story-and yes, the story of the prodigal son is about so much more than a wayward son coming home.

In the novel, we meet Aziel, an adventurous young man whose desire to experience life at its fullest pulls him away from the security of his family and community. This beautiful rendition of the famous parable reveals just how much our heavenly Father and His Son love us.