Book Title: The Long Walk Home: Discovering the Fullness of LIfe in the Love of the Father

Book Author: Matt Carter

Publisher: B & H Publishing Group

There are a few stories that are found in the Bible that people may be familiar with even though they do not regularly read the Bible. Some of those may be Adam & Eve, Noah & the Ark, David & Goliath… but one that always stands out is the parable that Jesus shared known by many as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. It is found in Luke 15:11-32 of the New Testament.

In The Long Walk Home, Matt Carter puts forth an explanation of this parable of Jesus from so long ago. There have been many — almost countless — people that have given commentary to this parable of Jesus. Carter does so for 21st century readers.

Strengths

One of the main strengths that I saw in The Long Walk Home is that Carter shares from personal experiences as one who has played the prodigal. It is one thing to talk about what you think something may mean. It is a completely different thing when you have walked that path for yourself. As Carter shares some of his own struggles, it helps the reader to see that this important parable is not just something for bedtime reading, but it holds a message to learn from.

Another strong point of The Long Walk Home is Carter’s use of the Bible. While the Parable of the Prodigal Son is found in Luke 11, Carter shows how the truths of this parable are seen and even further explained through other books, chapters, and verses of the Bible. Carter does a good job in showing that the Bible is truly God’s word and is useful for equipping all for what they need for life.

Weaknesses

I wouldn’t say that there were weaknesses in this book, but I would say that there was a place where I would disagree with interpretation. In chapter 3, there is a reference to the “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). Carter seems to put forth a common interpretation of this that those who have gone before us are watching like in an arena as we run this race called life. I would have to disagree that they are currently watching over us, but that their testimony serves as a witness of encouragement to us during our race. A difference of opinions on an interpretation is not worth casting this work aside though.

Recommendation

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one that speaks to many people because we have all at times wandered from where we should be. We may not have done all that the prodigal had done — or maybe we have. The question of whether we have gone too far sets at the core of many of our beings.

Matt Carter gives a great explanation of the meaning behind much of this parable of Jesus. This book is a great tool that can be used to understand the wonderful truths of this parable. It would be useful to both those who are familiar with the Bible and those who are not.