Zen Parables v. Biblical Parables
Zen Parables, while not entirely aligned with Buddhism, are heavily associated with the teachings and philosophies in Buddhism.
The purpose and moral of both of these texts is what sets them apart the most, while also making them rather similar. The moral of Muddy Road being to not hold a grudge against someone based on inconsequential actions/mistakes they made in the past, and the moral of Prodigal Son being to appreciate time with your family while you can. You may notice that the father in Prodigal Son does not judge his son based on his past mistakes, and instead celebrates the time they have together.