Bible Reading
Luke 15:11-32
“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.”’”
[01:03:23]Matthew 5:45
“so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Psalm 68:5
“Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.”
Romans 5:8
“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Observation questions
- In Luke 15, what details show how far the younger son had fallen before he decided to return home?
- What actions does the father take while the son is still “a long way off,” and what does he give him when he gets home? [01:06:43]
- In the story, how does the older son respond to the celebration, and what does the father say back to him? [01:14:22]
- What repeated picture is given of God’s fatherly care in these passages: giving grace while people are still sinners, showing kindness to the just and unjust, and being a Father to the fatherless?
Interpretation questions
- The younger son planned to come back as a servant, but the father restored him as a son. What does that show about how God sees a returning child? [01:15:19]
- The father in Luke 15 lets the son leave with his inheritance. What does that reveal about the way God handles human will and obedience? [01:09:09]
- The older brother stayed in the house but still resisted the father’s mercy. How can a person be close to the things of God and still misunderstand the heart of God? [01:17:36]
- Romans 5:8 says Christ died “while we were still sinners.” How does that shape the way a person should think about worthiness, shame, and coming back to God? [01:11:12]
Application questions
- Jesus teaches believers to begin with “Our Father.” What usually shapes the way this group thinks about God more deeply—Scripture or personal experience with earthly fathers? Where does there need to be healing or correction in that view? [01:02:13]
- Some people live like they have to get cleaned up before they can come back to God. Where might that be happening right now in someone’s life—hesitating to pray, serve, repent, or return? What would it look like to come back now instead of waiting? [01:11:45]
- The father ran with compassion before the son finished his speech. Is there a relationship in which pride has been waiting for the other person to make the first move? What might humility look like this week? [01:10:03]
- The robe, ring, and sandals speak of restored identity, covenant love, and a fresh walk. Which of those is most needed right now: a new sense of identity, assurance of God’s love, or grace for a new walk? Why? [01:14:39]
- The older brother was troubled by mercy being shown to someone else. When does jealousy, comparison, or religious pride show up in the heart when God restores another person? How can that be recognized honestly? [01:15:44]
- The enemy loves to remind people of their past, but Christ’s blood has already paid the cost. What accusation from the past still tries to speak loudly, and what truth about God the Father needs to answer it? [01:21:32]
- Scars, abuse, and painful history do not get the final word over God’s children. Where does someone need to stop identifying themselves by what happened to them and start receiving their identity from the Father? [01:30:59]
