Today’s passage: Luke 15:11-32
Helpful thoughts:
- This parable is often read and taught alone. But, it’s helpful to remember that it is the third illustration along with the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin.
- When the Prodigal Son “came to himself” he saw himself in truth, the way God saw him. This is a gift of God’s grace.
- The Prodigal Son didn’t earn a party and all the presents. His father chose to give them because he chose to forgive and love his son.
- The Prodigal Son had been brought to life and was found. The older son believed he had kept every one of his father’s commands and was worthy of being praised (Verse 29). He had not “come to himself”.
- Being with the father and sharing in the inheritance wasn’t enough for the older brother (Verse 31).
Questions to consider:
- People who grew up in Christian homes but are not following the Lord can sometimes be referred to (Or even refer to themselves) as “prodigals”. But, in truth, who must see themselves as “prodigals” and become aware of their need before they will turn to the Father in humility and ask for mercy? Who are the Pharisees in this parable? Who are the born again Christians?
- What specifically did the older brother want to celebrate in verse 29? Who did he want to celebrate with?
- Who will we all be boasting in when we see the glory of God in eternity (Ephesians 2:8-9)? Why is legalism so evil? How does it flip the focus of praise in the opposite direction of where it should go? How does it destroy churches?