Bible Study Discussion Guide: Hope is for Everyone
Bible ReadingLuke 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.’”
Observation Questions- In the parable, what are some specific things the father does while waiting for his younger son to return? How does the sermon describe these actions? [[36:32]]
- According to the sermon, how are both the younger and older sons described as “lost”? What are the differences in how they are lost? [[33:24]]
- What preparations did the father make for his son’s possible return, and what does this reveal about his attitude? [[41:53]]
- How does the sermon connect the father’s actions in the parable to the way the church should prepare for people who are not yet here? [[43:22]]
Interpretation Questions- What does it mean that “hope is not passive; it actively prepares for what God will do, even when the outcome is uncertain”? How does this challenge the way people usually think about waiting? [[36:32]]
- Why do both the rebellious (younger son) and the resentful (older son) need grace? What does this say about the human condition and our need for the gospel? [[33:58]]
- The sermon says, “Generosity is a spiritual pulse check.” What does this mean, and how does generosity reveal the state of someone’s heart? [[51:48]]
- How does the idea of “preparing the house” for those not yet here shape the church’s mission and priorities? [[49:33]]
Application Questions- The father in the parable kept looking down the road, kept the light on, and kept the calf ready. In your own life, who are you “waiting” and preparing for? What would it look like for you to turn waiting into preparation for someone’s return or for God’s next move? [[36:32]]
- The sermon challenges us to create spaces—physically and relationally—where the lost can come home and the found can come alive. What is one practical way you can help make your church or your home more welcoming to people who are searching for hope? [[39:06]]
- Think about the “older brother” attitude described in the sermon. Are there ways you have grown cold or resentful, even while staying “close” to God or the church? How can you open your heart to God’s grace in a fresh way? [[43:52]]
- The sermon says, “Generosity is not about equal gifts, but about equal sacrifice and participation.” What does sacrificial generosity look like for you in this season? Is there a step of faith God might be inviting you to take? [[51:48]]
- The church is described as a “hospital for both sinners and saints.” How does this change the way you view your role in the church community? Is there someone you need to reach out to, welcome, or forgive? [[47:53]]
- The sermon talks about building a legacy for future generations. What is one thing you can do this month to invest in the faith of someone younger or new to faith? [[43:22]]
- The father’s preparation was done “while his son was still a long way off.” Is there an area of your life where you need to start preparing in faith, even though you don’t see results yet? What is one small step you can take this week? [[41:53]]
