What’s one of the most disobedient things you did as a kid? Did you ever confess it to a parent or another adult? What happened?
Part three explores the central part of Luke's Gospel. Jesus continues his controversial announcement of good news for the poor during his long road-trip to Jerusalem, which increases conflict with Israel’s religious leaders. This tension provides the setting for the famous parable of the Prodigal Son.
What stood out to you from the video?
Was anything confusing? Encouraging?
Does it raise any questions you would like to discuss or investigate more?
Have 1-3 people in the group read aloud.
1. Read 15:13-16. What does this first scene describe?
2. What is the trend in this son's life throughout this scene?
3. He began this story as a privileged son. How would you describe him now?
4. Read 15:17-19. What is being depicted in this scene?
5. How does the son see himself?
6. Read 15:20-24. This is where we see the hero of the story. Make a list of the father’s verbs in this act. What does each one tell you about the character of the father?
7. How does the father’s behavior affect the son’s status?
8. How does this story invite you to reorient the way you see God? Why is your view of God so important?
9. What keeps you from seeing the Father in this way?
10. Is there an area of your life in which you need to return to the Father, perhaps where you have experienced the downward spiral of sin? What keeps you from doing so?
11. How does the father in this story mirror the way you view God? How does he differ?
12. Which behavior of the father is hardest to believe God would do for you?