Bible Reading
Luke 15:11–32 (ESV) – The Parable of the Prodigal Son —
> 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.’”
Observation Questions
- In the parable, what actions did the father take when he saw his son returning home? What does this reveal about the father's heart? ([16:22])
- How did the younger son approach his father after his time away? What was his attitude and what did he say? ([21:35])
- What was the older brother’s reaction to his brother’s return and the celebration? How did he express his feelings to the father? ([34:58])
- According to the sermon, what is the difference between boundaries and barriers in relationships? ([08:55])
Interpretation Questions
- The father ran to meet his son “while he was still a long way off.” What does this suggest about God’s approach to us when we are distant or feel unworthy? ([16:22])
- The younger son’s confession was honest and without excuses. Why is honest repentance necessary for true reconciliation, both with God and with others? ([26:09])
- The older brother stayed physically close to the father but was emotionally distant. What does this teach about the dangers of bitterness and entitlement in our spiritual lives? ([35:58])
- The sermon says reconciliation is not just something we receive but a mission we are called to carry. What does it mean to be an “ambassador of reconciliation” in practical terms? ([41:10])
Application Questions
- The sermon said, “God always makes the first move.” Is there a relationship in your life where you are waiting for the other person to make the first move? What would it look like for you to reflect God’s heart and take the initiative? ([16:22])
- Are there areas in your life where you have been making excuses or blame-shifting instead of owning your mistakes? What is one step you can take this week to practice honest repentance with God or someone else? ([26:09])
- The pastor shared that “God cannot heal the version of ourselves we pretend to be.” Is there a place in your life where you are hiding behind a mask? What would it look like to bring your real self to God or to someone you trust? ([26:09])
- Forgiveness was described as “releasing ourselves from the weight of resentment.” Is there someone you need to forgive—not just for their sake, but for your own freedom? What is holding you back? ([29:59])
- The older brother struggled to celebrate his brother’s restoration. Have you ever found it hard to rejoice in someone else’s comeback or blessing? How can you guard your heart against bitterness and comparison? ([35:58])
- The sermon challenged us to be “bridge-builders, not wall-builders.” What is one practical way you can build a bridge in a relationship, family, or community where there is division or brokenness? ([41:10])
- The pastor said, “No matter where you find yourself—whether as the prodigal, the older brother, or somewhere in between—the Father is on the porch, eyes on the road, arms open wide.” Where do you see yourself in this story right now, and what is God inviting you to do next? ([44:24])
