Bible ReadingLuke 15:11-2411. And he said, “There was a man who had two sons.”
[56:14]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.
[56:17]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.
[56:23]14. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need.
[56:41]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.
[56:50]16. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
[56:58]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!’”
[57:06]18. “I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.’”
[57:18]19. “I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”
[57:26]20. And he arose and came to his father.
[57:31]But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
[57:35]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.
Deuteronomy 21:18-2118. “If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and, though they discipline him, will not listen to them,”
[01:02:34]19. “Then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city at the gate of the place where he lives,”
[01:03:01]20. “And they shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This our son is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.’”
[01:03:01]21. “Then all the men of the city shall stone him to death with stones. So you shall purge the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear, and fear.”
[01:03:01]Proverbs 19:44. Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
[01:10:45]Proverbs 19:6-76. Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
[01:10:49]7. All a poor man’s brothers hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but does not have them.
[01:10:57]Observation questions- What steps show the younger son moving farther and farther from security and freedom—from receiving his inheritance to feeding pigs and longing for pig food? [01:07:28]
- What does the younger son recognize about his father’s household when he “comes to himself,” and what does he plan to say when he returns?
- In what ways does the father respond before the younger son can fully make his case—especially in verses 20-24?
- According to Proverbs 19:4 and 19:6-7, what happens to many friendships when a person’s money and ability to give are gone? [01:10:45]
Interpretation questions- Why does the younger son’s request for his inheritance reveal more than a desire for money? What does it communicate about his relationship with his father? [01:04:17]
- How does the younger son’s path show that freedom apart from the Father can become slavery to need, shame, false desires, or other masters? [01:07:34]
- Why is “coming to himself” more than simply feeling hungry or regretting bad consequences? What changed in the younger son’s view of his life and his father? [01:13:49]
- How do the father’s compassion, running, embrace, and celebration show the kind of welcome a repentant sinner receives from God?
Application questions- Where is there a temptation to want God’s blessings—such as provision, peace, relationships, success, or forgiveness—without wanting God’s presence and authority in that area? [01:01:22]
- Is there an area of life that first felt like freedom but has begun to take more than it gives? What would it look like to honestly name the bondage rather than keep calling it freedom? [01:07:17]
- What false promise has recently sounded convincing: “This will finally make life full,” “This will satisfy,” or “This will give me purpose”? How has that promise actually affected your heart? [01:12:02]
- The younger son came to his senses when reality broke through the lie. What truth from God’s Word may need to have a louder voice than a lie you have been believing? [01:13:36]
- When you recognize sin or distance from God, are you more likely to hide, bargain, try to fix yourself first, or return to the Father? What would taking one honest step toward Him look like this week?
- Who in your life may be in a “far country” right now? How can you show them truthful, patient love that points toward the Father’s house without pretending their choices are harmless?
