Bible Reading
Luke 15:11–32 (ESV) – The Parable of the Prodigal Son —
> 11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 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. 13 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. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
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> 17 “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! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 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. 21 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.’ 22 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. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
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> 25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 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.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 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. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
Romans 8:38–39 (ESV) —
> 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Observation Questions
- In the parable, what are the two different ways the sons relate to their father, and how does the father respond to each?
- According to the sermon, what is the “deepest longing in every human heart”?
- What does Romans 8:38–39 say about the security of God’s love for us?
- What are some of the specific things the father does when the prodigal son returns home?
Interpretation Questions
- Why do both the younger and older sons struggle to experience the fullness of their father’s love, even though they are both his children?
- The sermon mentions that many people have trouble believing God is gentle and compassionate. How might this disbelief affect the way someone prays or relates to God?
- The father tells the older son, “All that is mine is yours.” What does this reveal about God’s heart toward those who have been faithful but feel overlooked or resentful?
- According to the sermon, what is the root of true happiness and fulfillment?
Application Questions
- The pastor asked, “Do we wake up every morning amazed that we are loved by God?” What would it look like for you to start your day with this awareness? Is there a practical step you could take to remind yourself of God’s love each morning?
- Have you ever found yourself acting more like the prodigal son—chasing after fulfillment apart from God—or more like the older son—doing the right things but feeling resentful or distant? What would it look like for you to “come home” to the Father this week?
- The sermon said that God wants us to bring our dreams, needs, and even complaints to Him. Is there something you’ve been hesitant to ask God for? What is holding you back from sharing honestly with Him?
- The pastor shared stories of “unexpected tokens of God’s love” in everyday life. Can you recall a time when you experienced God’s love in a surprising or personal way? How did it affect you?
- The older son never realized that all the father had was already his. Are there areas in your life where you are living out of scarcity or complaint instead of trusting in God’s abundance? What would it look like to live differently?
- The sermon said that embracing God’s love requires humility and a willingness to let go of pride and self-sufficiency. Is there a specific area where you need to let go of control and trust God’s love for you?
- The pastor prayed that God’s love would “overflow to others.” Is there someone in your life who needs to experience God’s love through you this week? What is one thing you could do to show them that love?
