Bible Reading
Luke 15:1-32 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
“Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
[24:46] [31:37]1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
[55:42]Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
[49:37]Hebrews 10:25 Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
[43:47]Observation questions
- In Luke 15, what complaint did the Pharisees and scribes make about Jesus, and how do the sheep, coin, and son answer that complaint? [31:07]
- What did the younger son lose in the far country, and what thoughts showed that he had “come to himself”?
- What actions did the father take before the returning son could finish explaining himself, and what gifts did he command his servants to bring? [01:03:14]
- According to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, what particular actions and attitudes show love, and what attitudes does love refuse?
Interpretation questions
- The far country is anywhere a person tries to live without God. How can a believer be physically present at home, work, or church while still being far from the Father in heart and mind? [36:53]
- The father restores the son with a robe, ring, sandals, and a celebration rather than treating him as a hired servant. What does this reveal about God’s welcome toward a person who comes back in humble repentance? [01:03:37]
- Hebrews 10:25 calls believers to encourage one another when they gather. What kinds of encouragement and practical care should God’s people be ready to give when someone is discouraged or carrying a heavy burden? [47:21]
- Sin can promise money, pleasure, independence, or power, yet it finally leaves a person empty. Why is it important for a believer to seek God’s will rather than make major life decisions mainly on financial gain or personal pleasure? [48:06]
Application questions
- Is there an area of life where your heart has drifted from God—even if outwardly you are still attending church, working, and caring for your responsibilities? What would it look like to turn your mind and heart back toward the Father this week? [37:35]
- The younger son began his return by admitting, “Father, I have sinned.” Is there a sin, attitude, or broken fellowship you need to name honestly before God rather than excuse or hide? [01:02:03]
- God saves His people and also desires to use them. What ability, experience, time, or act of service could you offer to the Lord right now? What might it mean for you to “get usable”? [32:43]
- Think about your home, family, friendships, or church relationships. Who needs to hear a clear expression of love and appreciation from you this week? What specific words or kind action could you give them? [53:21]
- First Corinthians 13 says love is patient, kind, and not self-seeking. Where are you most tempted to be irritable, harsh, or demanding your own way, and what would Christlike love look like in that situation?
- Who around you may be discouraged, grieving, lonely, or carrying a practical need? How can you and this group offer prayer, encouragement, or real help rather than only good intentions? [43:24]
- The Father rejoices when the lost come home. Is there someone you know who seems far from God? How can you pray for that person and keep a welcoming, hopeful heart toward them? [01:06:11]
